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SUNDAY MORNING - PROVERBS 15:1 ETC. - FULL TEXT

#1 · May 2, 2002, 7:11 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on May 2, 2002, 7:11 pm
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>

PROVERBS 15:1 etc. - PAGE 1

WORDS, AM 5/5/02

Pastor Jack Peters, Mt. Union Bible Church

Two influential preachers, Charles Spurgeon and Joseph Parker, occupied pulpits in London during the 19th century. On one occasion, Parker commented about the poor condition of children admitted to Spurgeon’s orphanage. It was reported to Spurgeon, however, that Parker had criticized the orphanage itself. Being a man of fiery temperament, Spurgeon blasted Parker from his pulpit. That attack, printed in the newspaper, became the talk of the town. Londoners flocked to Parker’s church the next Sunday to hear his rebuttal. "I understand Dr. Spurgeon is not in his pulpit today, and this is the Sunday they use to take an offering for the orphanage," Parker said. "I suggest we take a love offering here for the orphanage." The crowd was delighted; ushers had to empty the collection plates three times.

Later that week, there was a knock at Parker’s study. It was Spurgeon. "You know, Parker, you have practiced grace on me," he said. "You have given me not what I deserved; you have given me what I needed." www.bible.org/illus/ot/ot-254.htm#TopOfPage

Jerry Bridges illustrated how gracious a person can be when his words are controlled by Christ. In his book The Pursuit of Holiness, Bridges wrote, "Henry Clay Trumbull was, among other things, a great personal evangelist. One day he found himself seated on a train next to a young man who was drinking quite heavily. Each time the young man opened his bottle, he offered a drink to Mr. Trumbull, who declined with thanks. Finally the young man said to Mr. Trumbull, ‘You must think I’m a pretty rough fellow.’ Mr. Trumbull’s gracious reply, ‘I think you’re a very generous-hearted fellow,’ opened the way for an earnest conversation with the young man about his need to commit himself to Christ." - D.C.E. Our Daily Bread, October 17, www.bible.org/illus/ot/ot-274.htm#TopOfPage

I have just shared with you two examples of two men, Joseph Parker and Henry Turnball, making good use of words.

Words are used every day by just about everyone. There are all kinds of words.

There are generous words. There are stingy words.

There are loving words. There are hateful words.

There are kind words. There are unkind words.

There are words spoken in anger. There are words spoken in peace.

There are loud words. There are quiet words.

And on we could go.

The words that Christians use are very important. Our words will either draw people to faith in Christ and a deep walk with God, or our words will drive people away.

I have heard Christians say some wonderful things that have had a positive effect on unbelievers. And I have heard Christians say some nasty things that have had a negative effect on unbelievers.

I have heard Christians say some nasty things to believers that have hurt Christ's church. I have heard Christians say some wonderful things that have strengthened Christ's church.

Our memory verse at Mt. Union this week is Proverbs 15:1:

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

This verse got me thinking about other verses that have to do with our words. I came up with a brief list that tells some of the types of words that we should use.

CALM WORDS - Proverbs 15:1

CAUTIOUS WORDS - Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 11:13

CORRECTIVE WORDS - Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 25:12

COMMENDABLE WORDS - Proverbs 25:11

CALM WORDS - Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

You have heard men or women explode in anger.

You have probably been the victim of a tirade of words that have left you reeling.

You have probably been incensed when someone has lashed out verbally at you, and might have responded with your own heavy artillery of harsh, angry words.

We can not control the temperature, harshness, or volume of the words of another. We can, however, try to control the temperature, harshness and volume of our own words.

Often, a soft answer will cause the person who is "hot under the collar" to cool down. A person who is yelling, just might realize how ridiculous he must sound in comparison to the one who is talking softly.

A soft answer, in dealing with people who have done wrong or offended us, will also help keep us from a lot of angry, violent reactions. People are less likely to become angry if they are talked to in a quiet way.

An author for READERS DIGEST writes how he studied the Amish people in preparation for an article on them. In his observation at the schoolyard, he noted that the children never screamed or yelled. This amazed him.

He spoke to the schoolmaster. He remarked how he had not once heard an Amish child yell, and asked why the schoolmaster thought that was so. The schoolmaster replied, "Well, have you ever heard an Amish adult yell?" Counter Attack, Jay Carty, Multnomah Press, 1988, p. 41ff, www.bible.org/illus/a/a-59.htm#TopOfPage

One of the secrets to giving a soft answer involves controlling our own anger. Proverbs gives us some good advice on that as well.

Proverbs 3:30 - Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

Proverbs 19:11 - The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Most things are just not getting angry over.

Jim Taylor in CURRENTS tells the following story about his friend, Ralph Milton: One morning Ralph woke up at five o’clock to a noise that sounded like someone repairing boilers on his roof. Still in his pajamas, he went into the back yard to investigate. He found a woodpecker on the TV antenna, "pounding its little brains out on the metal pole."

Angry at the little creature who ruined his sleep, Ralph picked up a rock and threw it. The rock sailed over the house, and he heard a distant crash as it hit the car. In utter disgust, Ralph took a vicious kick at a clod of dirt, only to remember -- too late -- that he was still in his bare feet.

Uncontrolled anger, as Ralph leaned, can sometimes be its own reward. C. Swindoll, Growing Strong, p. 332; www.bible.org/illus/a/a-59.htm#TopOfPage

So, we're probably all agreed that a soft answer is the best route to go. But how do we control our anger, so we give that soft answer we know we should give?

We must learn to ask God to control us through His Holy Spirit.

As the Holy Spirit controls us, our words will be under control as well as our anger.

Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

CALM WORDS - Proverbs 15:1

CAUTIOUS WORDS - Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 11:13

Proverbs 10:19 - In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Have you ever said something you were sorry for later?

We say things especially in anger, that we don't really mean, and yet the damage is done!

Have you noticed that the more a person talks, the more likely he or she is to say something they shouldn't say?

When we put no damper on our words, we are likely to say things that are either sinful or disturbing to someone else.

Recently a man who works with children was confronted by a parent who claimed that he had grabbed a child's shoulder in anger. He apologized and all seemed fine, until he added that he didn't remember doing it. That made the parent angry because she felt he was denying it happened. He would have been better off to remain silent after apologizing.

We need to be cautious in the use of our words.

One of Dottie's favorite sayings is, "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and prove it to the world!"

Psalm 141:3 is a good prayer for us to memorize and say every day. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

Not only should we cautious about the amount of our words, but we need to be cautious about the quality of our words.

Proverbs 11:13 - A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

We should be cautious not to repeat things we know are not true.

We should be cautious not to repeat things we are not sure are true.

We should be cautious not repeat things that are true, but are not worth repeating.

We do more to hurt the credibility of other Christians, often when we don't mean to, just by repeating things that need not be repeated.

Gossip is a terrible thing.

Imagine a woman who is a terrible gossip who told some wild and inaccurate stories about her pastor. Not only did this hurt the pastor's ministry, but his own spirit.

Then one day the lady repented, came to the pastor, and asked forgiveness. The pastor consented to forgive her, but asked he to do him one favor. She was to take an old-fashioned feather pillow to the top of the tower that was in town, rip it open and scatter the feathers to the wind. Then, she was to return to the pastor for further instructions. She consented, did as asked, and returned to the Pastor. The Pastor, hearing that the task was completed said to her, "Good, now go and pick up the feathers."

That of course was an impossible task. And it is also an impossible task to track down and take back gossip once it has begun to spread.

Let's use caution with our words.

CALM WORDS - Proverbs 15:1

CAUTIOUS WORDS - Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 11:13

CORRECTIVE WORDS - Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 25:12

Proverbs 11:14 - Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Every Christian should have a mentor.

A mentor is a person that will help us grow in our Christian faith, and one we trust for good, solid counsel. A mentor is also a person not afraid to correct us when we need it.

My mentor was Pastor George Headley Jr., who is now with the Lord. He came into my life when I was in college. The first time I can remember getting counsel from him was in my dorm room. He and his wife were available to me, whenever I needed help and encouragement. A lot of the style of ministry that I have today is similar to the style of Pastor Headley.

Not only do we need mentors, people who can give us advice and help, but we need to be mentors. And I have a pastor in New York State named Wade Prime, who calls me his mentor. I also have a son in the ministry, Dave, who handles some things in the ministry much the way his Dad does. I praise God for these men. It's more than I deserve.

Not too long ago, I was upset about something, I honestly don't remember what, and I said to Dottie, "Where is Pastor Headley when I need him?" Dottie answered, "YOU ARE PASTOR HEADLEY!"

Who is your mentor? Who are you looking to for guidance and encouragement in the Christian life?

Who are you mentoring? Who are you helping to grow in the things of God? Who looks to you for help and encouragement?

You are probably familiar with two friends in the Bible. The older man was named Jonathan. He was the king's son. The younger man was David. They were fast friends, I'm sure David was able to learn and be encouraged by the words and actions of Jonathan. One time David was on the run, fleeing for his life from King Saul.

1 Samuel 23:16 - And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

Who is your David? Who can you encourage this week.

Proverbs 25:12 - As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

Last Monday I took a day off. I took a day off, quite frankly because I knew that if I didn't take a day off, I might say or do something for that I would be sorry for later. I did nothing ministry wise for a day.

I have not always been so wise.

Many years ago in Sweet Valley Pennsylvania I was busy pastoring. Among other things, I had performed 3 funerals in less than two weeks. I was emotionally and physically exhausted and didn't realize it.

We had a little school, and I was in the school one day when this gal called and wanted our church to do something. And I reacted with short, angry words.

After I got off the phone, one of the school supervisors, who heard me, had the gumption to be a wise reprover that is mentioned in this verse. She told me in a tactful way that I had been nasty with the lady and wrong.

About then I realized how exhausted I was. I went home and took a nap. The kids came home from school and we played games. The next day was a Saturday and I took that day off as well. By the time Sunday came I was refreshed.

I called the lady I had offended and apologized and although she balled me have a little, she forgave me.

My friends there are times when we all need to be corrected.

And when we are let us be thankful when people do it in a kind, constructive way.

I don't think any of us want to be known as people who can't be corrected. Such people do exist.

Proverbs 9:8 - Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

There will also be times when we need to do the correcting. Just as a piece of gold jewelry is beautiful, so is the correction of a friend by a friend. It is beautiful when the one doing the correcting is wise and the one receiving the correction is open to constructive criticism.

Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

We all need corrective words.

We all need to learn to share corrective words tactfully.

CALM WORDS - Proverbs 15:1

CAUTIOUS WORDS - Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 11:13

CORRECTIVE WORDS - Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 25:12

COMMENDABLE WORDS - Proverbs 25:11

Proverbs 25:11 - A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Nobody is certain what "apples of gold in pictures of silver" refer to. Perhaps it refers to golden fruit on a silver serving tray. Or it might refer to ornamental golden jewelry in a silver setting. Whatever it refers to, we are being told that the right word spoken at the right time by the right person is a beautiful thing.

It is commendable.

There have been times when you've needed a word of encouragement and someone gave it. That was a word fitly spoken.

There have been times when you've need to know some information so your thinking wouldn't be clouded. Someone gave that. That was a word fitly spoken.

There have been times when you've need correction and someone quietly and tactfully did that. That was a word fitly spoken.

There have been times when a preacher has given just the message you needed to hear. That was a word fitly spoken.

There was probably a time when you needed to hear the Gospel of Christ, and someone shared the Gospel with you. That was a word fitly spoken.Thank God for the people who have fitly spoken in your life. These were commendable words.

Ask God to help you speak to commendable words to others.

Ask God to give you a chance this week to share the right words with the right people at the right time.

Ask God to give you:

CALM WORDS - Proverbs 15:1

CAUTIOUS WORDS - Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 11:13

CORRECTIVE WORDS - Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 25:12

COMMENDABLE WORDS - Proverbs 25:11

______________________________________________

Pastor Jack Peters
Ezra 7:10
AOL INSTANT MESSENGING SCREEN NAME - JackPeters47
MSN MESSENGER SCREEN NAME - johnwpeters@hotmail.com
Looking for preaching and teaching ideas?
Try Sermon Seeds!
http://www.sermonseeds.org

Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>

PROVERBS 15:1 etc. - PAGE 1

WORDS, AM 5/5/02

Pastor Jack Peters, Mt. Union Bible Church

Two influential preachers, Charles Spurgeon and Joseph Parker, occupied pulpits in London during the 19th century. On one occasion, Parker commented about the poor condition of children admitted to Spurgeon’s orphanage. It was reported to Spurgeon, however, that Parker had criticized the orphanage itself. Being a man of fiery temperament, Spurgeon blasted Parker from his pulpit. That attack, printed in the newspaper, became the talk of the town. Londoners flocked to Parker’s church the next Sunday to hear his rebuttal. "I understand Dr. Spurgeon is not in his pulpit today, and this is the Sunday they use to take an offering for the orphanage," Parker said. "I suggest we take a love offering here for the orphanage." The crowd was delighted; ushers had to empty the collection plates three times.

Later that week, there was a knock at Parker’s study. It was Spurgeon. "You know, Parker, you have practiced grace on me," he said. "You have given me not what I deserved; you have given me what I needed." http://www.bible.org/illus/ot/ot-254.htm#TopOfPage

Jerry Bridges illustrated how gracious a person can be when his words are controlled by Christ. In his book The Pursuit of Holiness, Bridges wrote, "Henry Clay Trumbull was, among other things, a great personal evangelist. One day he found himself seated on a train next to a young man who was drinking quite heavily. Each time the young man opened his bottle, he offered a drink to Mr. Trumbull, who declined with thanks. Finally the young man said to Mr. Trumbull, ‘You must think I’m a pretty rough fellow.’ Mr. Trumbull’s gracious reply, ‘I think you’re a very generous-hearted fellow,’ opened the way for an earnest conversation with the young man about his need to commit himself to Christ." - D.C.E. Our Daily Bread, October 17, http://www.bible.org/illus/ot/ot-274.htm#TopOfPage

I have just shared with you two examples of two men, Joseph Parker and Henry Turnball, making good use of words.

Words are used every day by just about everyone. There are all kinds of words.

There are generous words. There are stingy words.

There are loving words. There are hateful words.

There are kind words. There are unkind words.

There are words spoken in anger. There are words spoken in peace.
There are loud words. There are quiet words.

And on we could go.

The words that Christians use are very important. Our words will either draw people to faith in Christ and a deep walk with God, or our words will drive people away.

I have heard Christians say some wonderful things that have had a positive effect on unbelievers. And I have heard Christians say some nasty things that have had a negative effect on unbelievers.

I have heard Christians say some nasty things to believers that have hurt Christ's church. I have heard Christians say some wonderful things that have strengthened Christ's church.

Our memory verse at Mt. Union this week is Proverbs 15:1:

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

This verse got me thinking about other verses that have to do with our words. I came up with a brief list that tells some of the types of words that we should use.

CALM WORDS - Proverbs 15:1

CAUTIOUS WORDS - Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 11:13

CORRECTIVE WORDS - Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 25:12

COMMENDABLE WORDS - Proverbs 25:11

CALM WORDS - Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

You have heard men or women explode in anger.

You have probably been the victim of a tirade of words that have left you reeling.

You have probably been incensed when someone has lashed out verbally at you, and might have responded with your own heavy artillery of harsh, angry words.

We can not control the temperature, harshness, or volume of the words of another. We can, however, try to control the temperature, harshness and volume of our own words.

Often, a soft answer will cause the person who is "hot under the collar" to cool down. A person who is yelling, just might realize how ridiculous he must sound in comparison to the one who is talking softly.

A soft answer, in dealing with people who have done wrong or offended us, will also help keep us from a lot of angry, violent reactions. People are less likely to become angry if they are talked to in a quiet way.

An author for READERS DIGEST writes how he studied the Amish people in preparation for an article on them. In his observation at the schoolyard, he noted that the children never screamed or yelled. This amazed him.

He spoke to the schoolmaster. He remarked how he had not once heard an Amish child yell, and asked why the schoolmaster thought that was so. The schoolmaster replied, "Well, have you ever heard an Amish adult yell?" Counter Attack, Jay Carty, Multnomah Press, 1988, p. 41ff, http://www.bible.org/illus/a/a-59.htm#TopOfPage

One of the secrets to giving a soft answer involves controlling our own anger. Proverbs gives us some good advice on that as well.

Proverbs 3:30 - Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

Proverbs 19:11 - The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Most things are just not getting angry over.

Jim Taylor in CURRENTS tells the following story about his friend, Ralph Milton: One morning Ralph woke up at five o’clock to a noise that sounded like someone repairing boilers on his roof. Still in his pajamas, he went into the back yard to investigate. He found a woodpecker on the TV antenna, "pounding its little brains out on the metal pole."

Angry at the little creature who ruined his sleep, Ralph picked up a rock and threw it. The rock sailed over the house, and he heard a distant crash as it hit the car. In utter disgust, Ralph took a vicious kick at a clod of dirt, only to remember -- too late -- that he was still in his bare feet.

Uncontrolled anger, as Ralph leaned, can sometimes be its own reward. C. Swindoll, Growing Strong, p. 332; http://www.bible.org/illus/a/a-59.htm#TopOfPage

So, we're probably all agreed that a soft answer is the best route to go. But how do we control our anger, so we give that soft answer we know we should give?

We must learn to ask God to control us through His Holy Spirit.

As the Holy Spirit controls us, our words will be under control as well as our anger.

Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

CALM WORDS - Proverbs 15:1

CAUTIOUS WORDS - Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 11:13

Proverbs 10:19 - In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Have you ever said something you were sorry for later?

We say things especially in anger, that we don't really mean, and yet the damage is done!

Have you noticed that the more a person talks, the more likely he or she is to say something they shouldn't say?

When we put no damper on our words, we are likely to say things that are either sinful or disturbing to someone else.

Recently a man who works with children was confronted by a parent who claimed that he had grabbed a child's shoulder in anger. He apologized and all seemed fine, until he added that he didn't remember doing it. That made the parent angry because she felt he was denying it happened. He would have been better off to remain silent after apologizing.

We need to be cautious in the use of our words.

One of Dottie's favorite sayings is, "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and prove it to the world!"

Psalm 141:3 is a good prayer for us to memorize and say every day. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

Not only should we cautious about the amount of our words, but we need to be cautious about the quality of our words.

Proverbs 11:13 - A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

We should be cautious not to repeat things we know are not true.

We should be cautious not to repeat things we are not sure are true.

We should be cautious not repeat things that are true, but are not worth repeating.

We do more to hurt the credibility of other Christians, often when we don't mean to, just by repeating things that need not be repeated.

Gossip is a terrible thing.

Imagine a woman who is a terrible gossip who told some wild and inaccurate stories about her pastor. Not only did this hurt the pastor's ministry, but his own spirit.

Then one day the lady repented, came to the pastor, and asked forgiveness. The pastor consented to forgive her, but asked he to do him one favor. She was to take an old-fashioned feather pillow to the top of the tower that was in town, rip it open and scatter the feathers to the wind. Then, she was to return to the pastor for further instructions. She consented, did as asked, and returned to the Pastor. The Pastor, hearing that the task was completed said to her, "Good, now go and pick up the feathers."

That of course was an impossible task. And it is also an impossible task to track down and take back gossip once it has begun to spread.

Let's use caution with our words.

CALM WORDS - Proverbs 15:1

CAUTIOUS WORDS - Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 11:13

CORRECTIVE WORDS - Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 25:12

Proverbs 11:14 - Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Every Christian should have a mentor.

A mentor is a person that will help us grow in our Christian faith, and one we trust for good, solid counsel. A mentor is also a person not afraid to correct us when we need it.

My mentor was Pastor George Headley Jr., who is now with the Lord. He came into my life when I was in college. The first time I can remember getting counsel from him was in my dorm room. He and his wife were available to me, whenever I needed help and encouragement. A lot of the style of ministry that I have today is similar to the style of Pastor Headley.

Not only do we need mentors, people who can give us advice and help, but we need to be mentors. And I have a pastor in New York State named Wade Prime, who calls me his mentor. I also have a son in the ministry, Dave, who handles some things in the ministry much the way his Dad does. I praise God for these men. It's more than I deserve.

Not too long ago, I was upset about something, I honestly don't remember what, and I said to Dottie, "Where is Pastor Headley when I need him?" Dottie answered, "YOU ARE PASTOR HEADLEY!"

Who is your mentor? Who are you looking to for guidance and encouragement in the Christian life?

Who are you mentoring? Who are you helping to grow in the things of God? Who looks to you for help and encouragement?

You are probably familiar with two friends in the Bible. The older man was named Jonathan. He was the king's son. The younger man was David. They were fast friends, I'm sure David was able to learn and be encouraged by the words and actions of Jonathan. One time David was on the run, fleeing for his life from King Saul.

1 Samuel 23:16 - And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

Who is your David? Who can you encourage this week.

Proverbs 25:12 - As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

Last Monday I took a day off. I took a day off, quite frankly because I knew that if I didn't take a day off, I might say or do something for that I would be sorry for later. I did nothing ministry wise for a day.

I have not always been so wise.

Many years ago in Sweet Valley Pennsylvania I was busy pastoring. Among other things, I had performed 3 funerals in less than two weeks. I was emotionally and physically exhausted and didn't realize it.

We had a little school, and I was in the school one day when this gal called and wanted our church to do something. And I reacted with short, angry words.

After I got off the phone, one of the school supervisors, who heard me, had the gumption to be a wise reprover that is mentioned in this verse. She told me in a tactful way that I had been nasty with the lady and wrong.

About then I realized how exhausted I was. I went home and took a nap. The kids came home from school and we played games. The next day was a Saturday and I took that day off as well. By the time Sunday came I was refreshed.

I called the lady I had offended and apologized and although she balled me have a little, she forgave me.

My friends there are times when we all need to be corrected.

And when we are let us be thankful when people do it in a kind, constructive way.

I don't think any of us want to be known as people who can't be corrected. Such people do exist.

Proverbs 9:8 - Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

There will also be times when we need to do the correcting. Just as a piece of gold jewelry is beautiful, so is the correction of a friend by a friend. It is beautiful when the one doing the correcting is wise and the one receiving the correction is open to constructive criticism.

Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

We all need corrective words.

We all need to learn to share corrective words tactfully.

CALM WORDS - Proverbs 15:1

CAUTIOUS WORDS - Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 11:13

CORRECTIVE WORDS - Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 25:12

COMMENDABLE WORDS - Proverbs 25:11

Proverbs 25:11 - A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Nobody is certain what "apples of gold in pictures of silver" refer to. Perhaps it refers to golden fruit on a silver serving tray. Or it might refer to ornamental golden jewelry in a silver setting. Whatever it refers to, we are being told that the right word spoken at the right time by the right person is a beautiful thing.

It is commendable.

There have been times when you've needed a word of encouragement and someone gave it. That was a word fitly spoken.

There have been times when you've need to know some information so your thinking wouldn't be clouded. Someone gave that. That was a word fitly spoken.

There have been times when you've need correction and someone quietly and tactfully did that. That was a word fitly spoken.

There have been times when a preacher has given just the message you needed to hear. That was a word fitly spoken.

There was probably a time when you needed to hear the Gospel of Christ, and someone shared the Gospel with you. That was a word fitly spoken.Thank God for the people who have fitly spoken in your life. These were commendable words.

Ask God to help you speak to commendable words to others.

Ask God to give you a chance this week to share the right words with the right people at the right time.

Ask God to give you:

CALM WORDS - Proverbs 15:1

CAUTIOUS WORDS - Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 11:13

CORRECTIVE WORDS - Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 25:12

COMMENDABLE WORDS - Proverbs 25:11

______________________________________________

Pastor Jack Peters
Ezra 7:10
AOL INSTANT MESSENGING SCREEN NAME - JackPeters47
MSN MESSENGER SCREEN NAME - johnwpeters@hotmail.com
Looking for preaching and teaching ideas?
Try Sermon Seeds!
http://www.sermonseeds.org