Because words leave the mouth in seconds, but they can live in somebody’s heart for years

Proverbs 16:27–28. A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”

1.The worthless man  – “A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.”

Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

“I’m just real.”

“I say what I think.”

“I don’t have a filter.”

“I’m just brutally honest.”

“Can I tell you something?”

“I probably shouldn’t tell you this”

“You’re the only one I could talk to”

Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

Proverbs 21:23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

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

2. The dishonest man  “A dishonest man spreads strife.”

Proverbs 10:18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.

“I’m only telling you because I think you need to know.”

“I probably shouldn’t say this…”

“But since we’re talking…”

“I don’t want to gossip…”

You do not have to start the fire to be guilty of spreading it.

Is it true?

Is it necessary?

Is it mine to tell?

Will this produce peace or strife?

Why do I want to say it?

“You haven’t heard?!?”

3. The Whisperer – “And a whisperer separates close friends.”

Proverbs 26:20 says, “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.”

If they talk to me about everybody else, what are they saying about me when I am not around?

Have you talked to them about that?

The worthless man whose words burn.

The dishonest man whose words spread strife.

And the whisperer whose words divide.

Romans 5:10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

Who needs different words from you this week?

We do not just need wisdom from across the table. We Wisdom (Jesus) at the center of our lives.

Father, change my heart.

Jesus, become Lord over my words.

Holy Spirit, give me the wisdom to know when to speak, what to say, and when to remain silent.