Words worthy of the title/ Proverbs 25:8-16
The text is a lesson for words. In fact, Proverbs mentions a lot of words and tells us that we believers should be careful with our words.
It is because words are so small and precious. So we have to be careful about everything we talk about.
Verse 11 of the main text...< A word appropriate for this case is golden apples on a silver tray.> How beautiful would it be if golden apples were placed on a silver tray? Saying the right words for the occasion is just as valuable.
As you receive lessons about words through the text, I hope that we too will live a precious life of speaking appropriate for the occasion.
In fact, words are not alone. It's not like I'm doing it with someone I don't know. You must talk to your neighbor, and even in that case, you should say something appropriate.
##### 1. Don't speak with hasty judgment
Verse 8 of the text...< Do not rush out and quarrel. I am afraid that you will not know what to do when you finally see your neighbor reproach you.>
##### 2. Don't reveal other people's secrets
Verses 9-10...< If you have a quarrel with your neighbor, just argue and do not reveal other people's secrets. Fear that those who hear will rebuke you, and shame will not depart from you.>
##### 3. Give a sensible rebuke
Verse 12: <The rebuke of the prudent is an ornament of gold rings and gold in the ears that listen.>
--The kid played with a slingshot in the playground. Then, the stone mistakenly hit the woman who was passing by on the back of the arm. The aunt took the little boy and went to see the little boy's mother.
< I can't even tell you how eccentric and troublesome he is. It's still like this now, but when I grow up, I'm sure I'll get into bigger trouble. And I always play with dangerous things, so my mom scolds me a bit.> The aunt couldn't stop talking.
The little girl's mother, who was listening quietly, said:
< It is true that my child played with dangerous things. But she has something more dangerous.>
<What is it?> asked the old woman.
< It's the mouth. Stones only hurt the body, but words can also hurt people's hearts.>
We all make a lot of mistakes. Anyone who does not make a mistake while speaking is a perfect person who can control his whole body, James 3:2 says.
--Jesus said that it is not what goes into our mouth that defiles us, but what comes out of our mouth defiles us. Let's think about whether the words we say easily can hurt others.
Outward wounds can be easily healed, but internal wounds are difficult to heal in any way. Don't you think that a word of love is more suitable for us who believe in Jesus than words of ignoring others or hurting others by finding weaknesses?
##### 4. Speak with a heart of loyalty
Verse 13: <A faithful messenger is like ice-cold water on the day of harvest to the one who sent him.
##### 5. Think carefully about everything you say
Verse 15...<If you endure long enough, a ruler will tolerate it, but a soft tongue breaks a bone.>
--There is a story that tells you to be silent three times for a word. A single word that has been thought through for a long time has so much power.
Let us be good at speaking.