Wisdom Learns The Power Of Words
Proverbs 15-17
A word is a sound that comes out of our mouth that expresses an idea and is therefore a component of speech.
We can have a conversation with someone when we string words together.
Today here in America today it is our freedom of speech that has come under fire.
The word freedom means a person or a group to be and to do what they want instead of being controlled by others.
There are many today that say people do not have the right to say things that may hurt others feelings or say things that others do not agree with.
The Freedom of Speech Clause of the First Amendment is one of the most valuable and precious rights guaranteed to Americans in the United States Constitution. At the same time, it is one of the most abused rights by Americans.
The Freedom of Speech Clause of the 1st Amendment reads like this:
"Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech."
The reason for all the controversy today over the freedom of speech is that words have power!
The truth is, no worldly conversation between two people have as much power as the Word of God!
Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
This is the truth of the Word of God!
What is the truth of our own words?
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
This is true because our words can cause injury to others!
God expects us to think before we speak and to only speak the truth!
Pro 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Pro 12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Remember those that are wise are those that know and love the Lord Jesus Christ!
Let's begin chapter 15 at verse 1:
*****Pro 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
The very first thing we notice is that an answer should always be given, if that speech has injured us we should not wrap ourselves up in silence but we also see that the answer should be gentle.
That word soft means tender, gentle or mild.
We all how hard this is to do at times but this is still the Word of God and Jesus said "those that love Me will keep my commandments".
That word "grievous" means just the opposite, afflictive, painful, and hard to bear!
Those that are wise in the Lord will use their knowledge the way it was intended, for the glory of the Lord.
*****Pro 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
That word "aright" means that there is a right time and a right place for everything we do and if a soft answer will turn a tense moment into something more pleasant, then that should be our goal!
The truth is, it is very hard to argue in a whisper and very hard to argue with someone who continues to speak softly.
Why did crowds gather around the Lord Jesus?
Luk 4:22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?
That word "gracious" means that Jesus spoke in favorable words whenever He was around people and we know that His enemies were always present.
Why did Jesus speak this way, because that's just what God does.
The Lord is always ready to pardon.
The Lord is always ready to be merciful.
The Lord will always show great kindness.
The Lord is always slow to anger.
Neh 9:17 And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: "but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not".
The Lord expects us to be like Him as best we can!
If we cannot be like the Lord then we are more like the fool!
And the mouth of the fool pours out foolishness!
Foolishness is a lack of understanding the truth!
Those that are foolish are all those that do not realize that God is aware of everything that goes on in His created world!
*****Pro 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
The omnipresence of the Lord means that He is in every place at the same time. God has a universal presence!
The omniscience of the Lord means that He knows all things at once. God has universal knowledge, unbounded and infinite!
Jer 23:23 Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?
Jer 23:24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.
God hears everything that comes out of our mouths and this should encourage us all to speak pleasant and gracious words just as Jesus did.
*****Pro 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
That word "wholesome" means something that promotes good health.
Wholesome advice contributes to good health.
Wholesome answers are kind and pleasing to those that ask.
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, because the words that come from such a person bring healing and is soothing, and comforting to that one who hears it.
Jesus said:
Mar 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
The truth is, that a sick soul can be cured by the healing Word of God!
Perverseness comes from those that pervert the truth and is only falsehood and lies.
Falsehood and lies will only break a man's spirit in the end because no healing can come from lies!
Falsehood is anything that goes against the Word of God!
Those who bring falsehood are corrupt in their doctrine and defiled in their own soul!
*****Pro 15:11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
The English word "Hell" comes from the Hebrew word "Sheol" and is the world of the dead.
The English word "destruction" is translated from the Hebrew word "abaddon".
In the Book of Revelation we find this verse:
Rev 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
To some this Abaddon is located in the lowest depth of Hell, the "abyss".
Rev 9:2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
This the same place that all those will go who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as there Savior!
Luk 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Luk 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Why would anyone one to go there?
Why would anyone even take the chance that they might end up in that awful place?
Hell is a real place!
Even in Hell one cannot escape the watchful eyes of the Lord who will make sure that the punishment will suit the crime.
Job said:
Job 26:6 Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.
Even the deepest depth of the bottomless pit, is no secret to the God who created this place for Satan, The Devil!
Mat 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Hell is a real place!
The Devil, Satan is a real person!
There were a third of the angels of Heaven that departed with Satan.
These are all real things and if you end up in Hell you will be a stranger or an alien, who was very foolish when God gave you the opportunity to miss out on this awful place!
*****Pro 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
The truth is, that sin is a strangely deceiving influence over those caught in the Satan's snares!
It seems that most of us are always involved in things where we need advice.
There are also those caught up in special circumstances and in need of someone to rescue them.
A purpose is something that we set before us as an object to be reached.
In fact, the Bible teaches us that we all have a specific purpose given to us from our Creator.
Even Jesus Christ came to this earth for a purpose!
1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Even Jesus Christ did not come without counsel!
Joh 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
This same counsellor of the Lord Jesus Christ must then be our counsellor and it is He who gave us our own purpose!
Pro 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
If we try to make it through this life without the Lord we are doomed to failure!
And if we can be around others that were also counselled by the Lord then we all can be established.
2Co 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
To be established is to be founded on the Word of God, and then comes unspeakable joy!
1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
1Pe 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
*****Pro 15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Our joy comes when we realize that we can now be useful in the work of the Lord.
We can fulfill our purpose in life.
We can know the facts of everlasting life.
We can avoid the errors of sin.
We can know how to answer every man!
Col 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
We will have words of comfort for those that are in distress.
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
We will know the way of life!
*****Pro 15:24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
We have seen the the message of the Book of Proverbs is about two paths.
1) The path of life.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
These are the wise who lead such a life as to preserve them from death!
Pro 14:32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
The wise man's path leads Heavenward.
Php 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Php 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
God promises an eternally happy life to those that fear the Lord!
2) The path of death.
The path to death leads to Hell and a life eternally separated from the Lord!
*****Pro 15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
The wise child of God will think before they speak, taking time to consider their answer.
This is why they can rejoice in their answers as stated in verse 23.
The child of God does not want to say things that are false and the Word of God is always of the truth!
The very opposite is true of those who do not know the Lord.
We see people today who pride themselves for being outspoken who in reality have only followed others whose wisdom is in wickedness and lead to mischief and sorrow.
Those who pour out evil things without thinking have already rejected the truth!
Verse 2 said "the mouth of fools pour out foolishness"
We do not have to call people fools. Their own answers will show these things to be true.
Even in my own family there are those that think everyone that dies go to Heaven and that God will respond to all prayers.
The Bible says this is not true!
*****Pro 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
God will only respond to the prayers of the righteous and the righteous are only those who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior!
The Word of God is clear. God loved all people enough to send His Son Christ Jesus to die for their sins but until that fact is accepted, God is far from all who are wicked.
Prayer is a great privilege that is only given to those that know that prayer was purchased by Christ Jesus on Mount Calvary.
Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Heb 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Heb 10:21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
God has not obligated Himself to answer the prayers of those that reject His Son because they cannot have a relationship with Him until they accept the work of the Lord Jesus Christ and the only salvation plan offered by the Lord!
Their is only one way into the throne room of God and that is by the blood of Jesus Christ!
God longs to hear one prayer from every human being before He will recognize them:
Luk 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, "God be merciful to me a sinner".
Luk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Until you realize that you are a sinner, you cannot be saved!
*****Pro 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
We as Christians can be an encouragement to others and our eyes can say this as much as our mouth at times.
If we can express the joy of salvation. It can be uplifting when a scowl or a frown can crush any spirit.
If we are the bearer of the "Good News" of Jesus Christ and the "Gospel" then we certainly need to appear as we know we have and know the truth.
People want to hear something that will lead to happiness and good health.
Commercial television is designed around this one thought!
As believers if we do not appear as we have been "Born Again" into a new life then how can we ever lead others to the Lord?
To do this we must recognize our own weaknesses and have complete victory over them.
We must get a daily filling of the Holy Spirit who will lead us in a Christ-like manner.
We must pick up our cross daily, which means we must say no to the flesh. We must take off the old man and put on the new man.
We must walk the "Gospel" walk and talk the "Gospel" talk, even when we do not feel like it!
I'm sure Jesus did not feel like getting nailed to that cross but love was nailed to the cross that day!
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
*****Pro 15:31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
When the Lord shares His wisdom with us we certainly also want to know all things that are displeasing to
Him.
When we are doing anything wrong we certainly want to know it before it's too late!
We understand the benefits of correction!
Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Heb 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Those who are wise in the Lord need instruction to grow in understanding but those who are foolish ignore instruction and harm themselves.
*****Pro 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
It is important that we care enough about our souls that we graciously accept the discipline of God!
A fool will fail to see how discipline can help them in any way!
Look how are world is going.
You can be locked up for child abuse, for disciplining your children, because the world sees no benefit in it.
Corporal punishment is being abolished because the world sees no benefit in it.
Criminals are being set free because the world thinks there is little benefit to incarceration.
Terrorist are set free because it is believed they are only defending a religion and are not really evil.
In reality those that hate discipline actually hate themselves and despise their own soul!
Pro 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Those that reject the wisdom of God will be destroyed!
God cannot make things much plainer than this.
*****Pro 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
When we humble ourselves before the Lord, changes just take place our lives!
It is not always an easy thing for the human being to volunteer to be humble before anyone because it is not in our sin nature to do so!
Our wisdom begins when we accept and appreciate the trials that God brings into our lives!
This make no sense to our flesh but we realize that God only does things that will be a benefit to us!
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Just as silver is refined by fire, the Christian is made purer by the chastening of the Lord!
Once we realize we are filthy sinners, we will gladly request the wisdom of a Holy God who loves us much more than we deserve.
Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
*****Pro 17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
God expects us to have self-control!
He has born all our sin at the cross.
He has filled us with His Spirit.
He will share with us most all His wisdom.
To pick up our cross daily is to deny our flesh!
God says we must control our speech and our temper!
To be wise, is to hold our tongues and keep our emotions in check.
To many of us this is very hard to do especially in these last days.
But there are some things about us that only God needs to know!
And if we cannot be trusted by our brothers and sisters in Christ then how are we to fulfill the purpose that God has for us.
When we are engaged in conversations with others it is not necessary for us to be heard on every matter.
Jas 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
We must know when to speak and when to keep silent!
When we can do these things, then we will be able to keep calm and refrain from becoming upset.
Jas 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
If we can manage our own tongues, then we can mange our whole body!
*****Pro 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
The truth is, even a fool can deceive those around him by keeping his mouth shut!
This image of him soon disappears once he begins to speak!
Ecc 5:3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.
The truth is, that even a fool if he shuts his mouth and truly listens to those who are wise can be saved from his foolishness.
If this is not true then I would have never been saved!
1Co 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Questions?
Let's Pray!
Proverbs 15-17
A word is a sound that comes out of our mouth that expresses an idea and is therefore a component of speech.
We can have a conversation with someone when we string words together.
Today here in America today it is our freedom of speech that has come under fire.
The word freedom means a person or a group to be and to do what they want instead of being controlled by others.
There are many today that say people do not have the right to say things that may hurt others feelings or say things that others do not agree with.
The Freedom of Speech Clause of the First Amendment is one of the most valuable and precious rights guaranteed to Americans in the United States Constitution. At the same time, it is one of the most abused rights by Americans.
The Freedom of Speech Clause of the 1st Amendment reads like this:
"Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech."
The reason for all the controversy today over the freedom of speech is that words have power!
The truth is, no worldly conversation between two people have as much power as the Word of God!
Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
This is the truth of the Word of God!
What is the truth of our own words?
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
This is true because our words can cause injury to others!
God expects us to think before we speak and to only speak the truth!
Pro 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Pro 12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Remember those that are wise are those that know and love the Lord Jesus Christ!
Let's begin chapter 15 at verse 1:
*****Pro 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
The very first thing we notice is that an answer should always be given, if that speech has injured us we should not wrap ourselves up in silence but we also see that the answer should be gentle.
That word soft means tender, gentle or mild.
We all how hard this is to do at times but this is still the Word of God and Jesus said "those that love Me will keep my commandments".
That word "grievous" means just the opposite, afflictive, painful, and hard to bear!
Those that are wise in the Lord will use their knowledge the way it was intended, for the glory of the Lord.
*****Pro 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
That word "aright" means that there is a right time and a right place for everything we do and if a soft answer will turn a tense moment into something more pleasant, then that should be our goal!
The truth is, it is very hard to argue in a whisper and very hard to argue with someone who continues to speak softly.
Why did crowds gather around the Lord Jesus?
Luk 4:22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?
That word "gracious" means that Jesus spoke in favorable words whenever He was around people and we know that His enemies were always present.
Why did Jesus speak this way, because that's just what God does.
The Lord is always ready to pardon.
The Lord is always ready to be merciful.
The Lord will always show great kindness.
The Lord is always slow to anger.
Neh 9:17 And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: "but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not".
The Lord expects us to be like Him as best we can!
If we cannot be like the Lord then we are more like the fool!
And the mouth of the fool pours out foolishness!
Foolishness is a lack of understanding the truth!
Those that are foolish are all those that do not realize that God is aware of everything that goes on in His created world!
*****Pro 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
The omnipresence of the Lord means that He is in every place at the same time. God has a universal presence!
The omniscience of the Lord means that He knows all things at once. God has universal knowledge, unbounded and infinite!
Jer 23:23 Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?
Jer 23:24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.
God hears everything that comes out of our mouths and this should encourage us all to speak pleasant and gracious words just as Jesus did.
*****Pro 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
That word "wholesome" means something that promotes good health.
Wholesome advice contributes to good health.
Wholesome answers are kind and pleasing to those that ask.
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, because the words that come from such a person bring healing and is soothing, and comforting to that one who hears it.
Jesus said:
Mar 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
The truth is, that a sick soul can be cured by the healing Word of God!
Perverseness comes from those that pervert the truth and is only falsehood and lies.
Falsehood and lies will only break a man's spirit in the end because no healing can come from lies!
Falsehood is anything that goes against the Word of God!
Those who bring falsehood are corrupt in their doctrine and defiled in their own soul!
*****Pro 15:11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
The English word "Hell" comes from the Hebrew word "Sheol" and is the world of the dead.
The English word "destruction" is translated from the Hebrew word "abaddon".
In the Book of Revelation we find this verse:
Rev 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
To some this Abaddon is located in the lowest depth of Hell, the "abyss".
Rev 9:2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
This the same place that all those will go who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as there Savior!
Luk 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Luk 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Why would anyone one to go there?
Why would anyone even take the chance that they might end up in that awful place?
Hell is a real place!
Even in Hell one cannot escape the watchful eyes of the Lord who will make sure that the punishment will suit the crime.
Job said:
Job 26:6 Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.
Even the deepest depth of the bottomless pit, is no secret to the God who created this place for Satan, The Devil!
Mat 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Hell is a real place!
The Devil, Satan is a real person!
There were a third of the angels of Heaven that departed with Satan.
These are all real things and if you end up in Hell you will be a stranger or an alien, who was very foolish when God gave you the opportunity to miss out on this awful place!
*****Pro 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
The truth is, that sin is a strangely deceiving influence over those caught in the Satan's snares!
It seems that most of us are always involved in things where we need advice.
There are also those caught up in special circumstances and in need of someone to rescue them.
A purpose is something that we set before us as an object to be reached.
In fact, the Bible teaches us that we all have a specific purpose given to us from our Creator.
Even Jesus Christ came to this earth for a purpose!
1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Even Jesus Christ did not come without counsel!
Joh 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
This same counsellor of the Lord Jesus Christ must then be our counsellor and it is He who gave us our own purpose!
Pro 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
If we try to make it through this life without the Lord we are doomed to failure!
And if we can be around others that were also counselled by the Lord then we all can be established.
2Co 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
To be established is to be founded on the Word of God, and then comes unspeakable joy!
1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
1Pe 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
*****Pro 15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Our joy comes when we realize that we can now be useful in the work of the Lord.
We can fulfill our purpose in life.
We can know the facts of everlasting life.
We can avoid the errors of sin.
We can know how to answer every man!
Col 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
We will have words of comfort for those that are in distress.
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
We will know the way of life!
*****Pro 15:24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
We have seen the the message of the Book of Proverbs is about two paths.
1) The path of life.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
These are the wise who lead such a life as to preserve them from death!
Pro 14:32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
The wise man's path leads Heavenward.
Php 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Php 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
God promises an eternally happy life to those that fear the Lord!
2) The path of death.
The path to death leads to Hell and a life eternally separated from the Lord!
*****Pro 15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
The wise child of God will think before they speak, taking time to consider their answer.
This is why they can rejoice in their answers as stated in verse 23.
The child of God does not want to say things that are false and the Word of God is always of the truth!
The very opposite is true of those who do not know the Lord.
We see people today who pride themselves for being outspoken who in reality have only followed others whose wisdom is in wickedness and lead to mischief and sorrow.
Those who pour out evil things without thinking have already rejected the truth!
Verse 2 said "the mouth of fools pour out foolishness"
We do not have to call people fools. Their own answers will show these things to be true.
Even in my own family there are those that think everyone that dies go to Heaven and that God will respond to all prayers.
The Bible says this is not true!
*****Pro 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
God will only respond to the prayers of the righteous and the righteous are only those who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior!
The Word of God is clear. God loved all people enough to send His Son Christ Jesus to die for their sins but until that fact is accepted, God is far from all who are wicked.
Prayer is a great privilege that is only given to those that know that prayer was purchased by Christ Jesus on Mount Calvary.
Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Heb 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Heb 10:21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
God has not obligated Himself to answer the prayers of those that reject His Son because they cannot have a relationship with Him until they accept the work of the Lord Jesus Christ and the only salvation plan offered by the Lord!
Their is only one way into the throne room of God and that is by the blood of Jesus Christ!
God longs to hear one prayer from every human being before He will recognize them:
Luk 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, "God be merciful to me a sinner".
Luk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Until you realize that you are a sinner, you cannot be saved!
*****Pro 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
We as Christians can be an encouragement to others and our eyes can say this as much as our mouth at times.
If we can express the joy of salvation. It can be uplifting when a scowl or a frown can crush any spirit.
If we are the bearer of the "Good News" of Jesus Christ and the "Gospel" then we certainly need to appear as we know we have and know the truth.
People want to hear something that will lead to happiness and good health.
Commercial television is designed around this one thought!
As believers if we do not appear as we have been "Born Again" into a new life then how can we ever lead others to the Lord?
To do this we must recognize our own weaknesses and have complete victory over them.
We must get a daily filling of the Holy Spirit who will lead us in a Christ-like manner.
We must pick up our cross daily, which means we must say no to the flesh. We must take off the old man and put on the new man.
We must walk the "Gospel" walk and talk the "Gospel" talk, even when we do not feel like it!
I'm sure Jesus did not feel like getting nailed to that cross but love was nailed to the cross that day!
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
*****Pro 15:31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
When the Lord shares His wisdom with us we certainly also want to know all things that are displeasing to
Him.
When we are doing anything wrong we certainly want to know it before it's too late!
We understand the benefits of correction!
Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Heb 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Those who are wise in the Lord need instruction to grow in understanding but those who are foolish ignore instruction and harm themselves.
*****Pro 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
It is important that we care enough about our souls that we graciously accept the discipline of God!
A fool will fail to see how discipline can help them in any way!
Look how are world is going.
You can be locked up for child abuse, for disciplining your children, because the world sees no benefit in it.
Corporal punishment is being abolished because the world sees no benefit in it.
Criminals are being set free because the world thinks there is little benefit to incarceration.
Terrorist are set free because it is believed they are only defending a religion and are not really evil.
In reality those that hate discipline actually hate themselves and despise their own soul!
Pro 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Those that reject the wisdom of God will be destroyed!
God cannot make things much plainer than this.
*****Pro 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
When we humble ourselves before the Lord, changes just take place our lives!
It is not always an easy thing for the human being to volunteer to be humble before anyone because it is not in our sin nature to do so!
Our wisdom begins when we accept and appreciate the trials that God brings into our lives!
This make no sense to our flesh but we realize that God only does things that will be a benefit to us!
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Just as silver is refined by fire, the Christian is made purer by the chastening of the Lord!
Once we realize we are filthy sinners, we will gladly request the wisdom of a Holy God who loves us much more than we deserve.
Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
*****Pro 17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
God expects us to have self-control!
He has born all our sin at the cross.
He has filled us with His Spirit.
He will share with us most all His wisdom.
To pick up our cross daily is to deny our flesh!
God says we must control our speech and our temper!
To be wise, is to hold our tongues and keep our emotions in check.
To many of us this is very hard to do especially in these last days.
But there are some things about us that only God needs to know!
And if we cannot be trusted by our brothers and sisters in Christ then how are we to fulfill the purpose that God has for us.
When we are engaged in conversations with others it is not necessary for us to be heard on every matter.
Jas 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
We must know when to speak and when to keep silent!
When we can do these things, then we will be able to keep calm and refrain from becoming upset.
Jas 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
If we can manage our own tongues, then we can mange our whole body!
*****Pro 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
The truth is, even a fool can deceive those around him by keeping his mouth shut!
This image of him soon disappears once he begins to speak!
Ecc 5:3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.
The truth is, that even a fool if he shuts his mouth and truly listens to those who are wise can be saved from his foolishness.
If this is not true then I would have never been saved!
1Co 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Questions?
Let's Pray!
