1 of 1

Today's study passage is a collection of pithy proverbs contrasting wise and foolish speech. Our words have tremendous power to construct and to destroy, to bless and to curse, to encourage and to discourage, to inform and to mislead. We must be careful how we use them. Spend some time reading, rereading, and reflecting on these verses and what they have to say about the weight of our words.

Key Study Passage:

Proverbs 10:11-14, 18-21, 31-32

1. Make a list with contrasting characteristics of wise and foolish speech.
2. Reflect on your speech patterns from last week. Which list from the first question is most reflective of the words you used?
3. Brainstorm some ways that you can train yourself to speak with patterns of wisdom and encouragement.
4. Think through some harmful words from your past that are etched in your memory. Do you need to forgive someone for words they've spoken to you? What about harmful words you've spoken? Do you need to apologize to someone for something you've said?

Spend Time in Prayer: Ask God to help you watch your speech; thank him for people in your life who encourage you and ask him to help you do the same for others.

Proverbs 10:11-14, 18-21, 31-32

11 The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain;
the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

12 Hatred stirs up quarrels,
but love makes up for all offenses.

13 Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding,
but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.

14 Wise people treasure knowledge,
but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.

18 Hiding hatred makes you a liar;
slandering others makes you a fool.

19 Too much talk leads to sin.
Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

20 The words of the godly are like sterling silver;
the heart of a fool is worthless.

21 The words of the godly encourage many,
but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.

31 The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice,
but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.

32 The lips of the godly speak helpful words,
but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.

Copyright © 2012 by Christianity Today/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

 1 of 1

share this page

Prayer for the Week

Lord, make me aware of the things I say from day to day; help me to use my words to build others up.

				Try an Issue of Men of Integrity Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip Email Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for Canadian Orders. If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless. Give Men of Integrity as a gift Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!

FREE Newsletter Sign up for the Men of Integrity Newsletter (All fields required)    RSS Feed   RSS Help