A Foundation for Words, Part 1 - SERMON NOTES

Intro: (1) series recap (2) Proverbs 4:20-24 (3) 8 truths across 3 categories of words

The Power of Words

1. Words stick (18:21): (1) tongue capable of very good and very bad → will produce these fruits (2) Gottman ratio, negative consumer experiences (3) id someone to encourage before leaving
2. Words spread (10:10-11): (1) winking = whispering (cf. 16:27-28) → negative words like wildfire (2) don’t do it, don’t repeat it (3) share good things you see others do (cf. Neusken babysitter)

The Weakness of Words

1. Words are not actions (14:23): (1) results come from action, talk is cheap (2) James → doers of the word, faith/works, blessed/warmed (3) “engaged in ministry” → Sun mornings, meals, EG
2. Words can be deceptive (24:12): (1) deceiving others (cf. speeding ticket) (2) deceiving ourselves (cf. making excuses) (3) Mt. 5:37 → trustworthiness of words come from record of integrity

Words at Their Best

1. Honest words (24:24-26): (1) v.24-25 → honesty means addressing issues (cf. Mt 18), not
flattering or pandering (cf. parenting) (2) v.26 → honesty is faithful affection (cf. cold shoulder)
2. Few words (17:28): (1) few words help even the foolish (cf. rich guy buying car) (2) 10:19 →
more words = more sin (3) using less words → questions, social media, silent retreats, feedback
3. Calm words (17:27): (1) calm = slow, measured, not panicky/combative, quiet, self-controlled (cf. 29:11) (2) qualified exceptions (cf. child in danger, vulnerability in prayer and with trusted others)
4. Timely words (15:23): (1) blessing of receiving well-timed words (cf. water break) (2) examples → staff bdays, prayer in real time, using names, noticing/initiating, sharing from experience

Conclusion: Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 12:34