The Marks of Wise Words

Speaking Wisdom: A Proverbs driven Life Chapter 2The Marks of Wise Words“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Proverbs 25:11, ESVChapter opens with a summarized account of Israel’s fateful encounter with the Gibeonites.“we are reminded just how easy—and how harmful—it can be to speak foolishly. Unwise words are no rare event,being, unfortunately, very common among Christians” Anthony Selvaggio pg. 17“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also tobridle his whole body.” James 3:2, ESV“but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:8, ESV“If no one can completely avoid foolish words, then in one sense our speech is a lifelong exercise in damage control.Have you ever hurt someone with hasty, careless words? Ever spread a rumor that proved to be untrue? Ever joined ingossip?” Anthony Selvaggio Pg. 18“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that itmay give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29, ESV“Scripture repeatedly tells us to bless and encourage one another with our words. Therefore, our speech is much morethan damage control. It’s also a lifelong effort to pass along to others the grace and love God has given us” - Ibid pg.19“So while we must be cautious about our words, we can also be hopeful. God is eager to be at work through us as wespeak. For most of us, each day offers numerous opportunities to speak wisely, in matters both small andgreat” Anthony Selvaggio pg. 19Discussion of Proverbs 25:11“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Proverbs 25:11, ESV“ Such words are like gold: They are inherently and universally valuable and attractive.”• Indeed, they are like apples of gold: Their value and attractiveness has been enhanced through skillful craftsmanshipthat has molded them into a pleasing form.• These words are in a setting: They are presented in a way that is perfectlyfitted to the circumstances.The setting is silver: Although attractive in itself, its very attractiveness enhances its primary purpose—to display theunique beauty of that which it holds. Such words are described as being “aptly spoken.” “Apt” is not a term you hearevery day. It means “exactly suitable; appropriate.”What makes for such suitable and appropriate speech? How does one go through the day crafting words that are likegolden apples in silver settings? I believe Proverbs teaches us that such speech—speech that is biblically wise—canbe seen as involving three essential components: thoughtfulness, timeliness, and truth.To embrace the wisdom of Proverbs 25:11 of a fitly spoken word three things:Thoughtful“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evilthings.” Proverbs 15:28, ESVThere is no rewind function on our words. We can never truly take back what we say, as much as we might wish tofrom time to time. How important, therefore, that we learn from the vivid imagery of this proverb. Do you want yourspeech to be thoughtful and measured, or will you allow it to be more like a gushing, uncontrolled torrent?” SelvaggioPg. 19Timely“To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!” Proverbs 15:23, ESVIn this proverb, the emphasis is on words that are apt by virtue of their timeliness. To be wise, our words must notonly be thoughtfully chosen, but well-timed. This is obviously not the timing of a comedian who knows exactly howlong to hold a pause before delivering the punch line. This timing involves a natural and spiritual sensitivity”“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even af+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. Every weekday at 3:30 am and 7:30 am you can listen to The Gospel for Life on KSPD 94.5 FM and 790 AM Boise's Solid Talk in the Treasure Valley,  Idaho, USA.If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them.  If you enjoy The Gospel for Life, please give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. That helps us a lot!Phone: (208) 991-3526E-mail: [email protected] website:  https://www.790kspd.com/gospel-for-life/to donate on line https://www.reformationboise.com/donate