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We’ve been going through the book of Proverbs this summer, looking at what it means to live wisely. There are many contrasts in Proverbs between the way of the wise person and the way of the fool, and the way of the righteous person with the way of the wicked. One topic that comes up more than any other is the subject of words – how a wise and righteous person speaks and communicates. We’ve already touched on the subject of words as we’ve looked at other topics this summer, like friendship, anger, and pride, but this morning we’re going to really look at what Proverbs has to say about using wise and righteous communication.

As we begin, let us remember what the book of Hebrews says about God’s Word, the Bible:

Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ¹³ Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

More than anything I could say, what we really need is to hear what God has to say about wise and righteous communication. And so, I would like to begin by listening to about 25 passages from Proverbs that discuss communication, so that God’s Word might uncover and lay bare what is in our hearts:

Proverbs 4:20-24 My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. ²¹ Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; ²² for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. ²³ Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. ²⁴ Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 10:18-19 He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. ¹⁹ When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Proverbs 10:20-21 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. ²¹ The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.

Proverbs 10:31-32 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. ³² The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.

Proverbs 11:12-13 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. ¹³ A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

Proverbs 12:13-14 An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. ¹⁴ From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

Proverbs 12:17-18 A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies. ¹⁸ Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 15:1-2 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Proverbs 15:4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:22-23 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. ²³ A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-- and how good is a timely word!

Proverbs 16:23-24 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones

Proverbs 16:28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

Proverbs 17:9 He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

Proverbs 17:27-28 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. ²⁸ Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Proverbs 18:2 ² A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions

Proverbs 18:6-8 A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. ⁷ A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul. ⁸ The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.

Proverbs 18:13 He who answers before listening-- that is his folly and his shame.

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

Proverbs 24:26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

Proverbs 25:11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

Proverbs 25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Words are a powerful thing, and so this morning I want to talk about the power of words, the kind of words we are encouraged to speak according to Proverbs, and how to deal with the hurt that is caused by words.