Wise Speech

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Prov 18:21

Watch your words and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief. Prov 21:23 MSG

Prov 10:19 (p.487)

Wounding Words• Gossip

A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or

fire lights wood.Rumors are dainty morsels

that sink deep into one’s heart. Prov 26:21-22

Wounding Words• Slander / Insults

Never slander a worker to the employer, or the person will curse you, and you will pay for

it.Some people curse their father

and do not thank their mother.They are pure in their own eyes,

but they are filthy and unwashed. Prov 30:10-12

Wounding Words• Lying

Prov 25:18 (also 12:19)Just as damaging

as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend

and then says, “I was only joking.” Prov 26:18-19

Wounding Words• Over-Promising

Prov 20:25 (also25:14)

Wounding Words• Flattery

To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet. Prov 29:5

Prov 27:1-2

Wounding Words• Nagging

Better to live alone in a tumbledown shack than share a mansion with a nagging

spouse. Prov 21:9 MSG

War and PeacePeople may cover their hatred with pleasant

words,but they’re deceiving you.

They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them.

Their hearts are full of many evils. Prov 26:24-25

War and PeaceBut the words you speak come from the

heart—that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery,

all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. Matt

15:18-20

War and PeaceCome to me, all of you who are weary and

carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28

I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or

afraid. John 14:27

Wise fights• Deal with your own anger first.

An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.

Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. Prov 29:22-23

Wise fights• Be willing to avoid or drop the argument.

Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. Prov 20:3

Wise fights• Stay off substances.

Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls.

Those led astray by drink cannot be wise. Prov 20:1

Wise fights• Be gentle.

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Prov

15:1

Wise fights• Deal with the issue.

Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out. Prov

17:14

Becoming a Builder

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Eph

4:29 NIV

Becoming a builder• Encouraging

Prov 16:24

Becoming a builder• Comforting

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Prov 12:25

Becoming a builder• Gentle

Prov 25:15

Becoming a builder• Helpful

The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give. Prov

15:7

Becoming a builder• Correcting

Prov 27:5-6

Becoming a builder• Careful

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,

But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Prov 15:28 NASB

Becoming a builder• Defend those in need

Prov 31:8

Becoming a builder• Timely

Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the

right time! Prov 15:23

Becoming a builder• A Reputation for Wise Words:

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver

or gold. Prov 22:1The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain;

the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. Prov 10:11

Wise Speech