Wisdom and Our Words– message #3 in the series The Way of Wisdom

If I am wise . . . 

1. I will recognize the of my words.

²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits. (18:21, ESV)

²¹ Words kill, words give life;
they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (18:21, MSG)

. . . the power to or me.

³ Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;
he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. (13:3, ESV)

¹⁴ Wise words bring many benefits,
and hard work brings rewards. (12:14, NLT)

. . . the power to or to .

¹⁸ There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (12:18, ESV)

¹⁸ The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (12:18, NIV)

¹⁸ Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal. (12:18, GNB)

2. I will let my words be .

¹⁹ When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. (10:19, ESV)

²⁷ A truly wise person uses few words;
a person with understanding is even-tempered.
²⁸ Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;
with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.
(17:27-28, NLT)

²³ Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut,
and you will stay out of trouble. (21:23, NLT)

3. I will choose with care the of my words.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. (25:11, ESV)

¹¹ The right word at the right time
is like a custom-made piece of jewelry, (25:11, MSG)

²³ Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;
it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! (15:23, NLT)

4. I will choose with care the of my words.

My words should be . . . 

      A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (15:1, NIV) 

          Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit. (15:4, GNB)

     Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones. (25:15, NLT)

   Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (16:24, ESV)

5. I will not use my words . . .
   

(1) To my own .

² Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
a stranger, and not your own lips. (27:2, ESV)

(2) To to or about others.

²² Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
but those who act faithfully are his delight. (12:22, ESV)

(3) To others.

²⁸ A lying tongue hates its victims,
and a flattering mouth works ruin. (26:28, ESV)

⁵ A flattering neighbor is up to no good;
he’s probably planning to take advantage of you. (29:5, MSG)

(4) To others.

⁴ Gentle words are a tree of life;
a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (15:4, NLT)

6. I will use my words to offer . . .

(1) An occasional piece of constructive

²³ In the end, people appreciate honest criticism
far more than flattery. (28:23, NLT)

(2) An abundance of

²¹ The words of the godly encourage many,
but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. (10:21, NLT)

²⁵ Worry weighs a person down;
an encouraging word cheers a person up. (12:25, NLT)