BIBLICAL VIEW | SPEECH (5)

1. Introduction

a) Proverbs 15:2 New Living Translation (NLT)

2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

2. "Foolish words" examples in the Bible...

a) People murmuring against Moses

i) Numbers 14:2-10New Living Translation (NLT)

2 Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest against Moses and Aaron. “If only we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!” they complained. 3 “Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and our little ones will be carried off as plunder! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?” 4 Then they plotted among themselves, “Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt!”

5 Then Moses and Aaron fell face down on the ground before the whole community of Israel. 6 Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing. 7 They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! 8 And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. 9 Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”

10 But the whole community began to talk about stoning Joshua and Caleb. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to all the Israelites at the Tabernacle.

3. Using our tongue wisely...

a) Learning how to wisely "dispense" wisdom or knowledge distinguishes the "workman approved of GOD, not needing to be ashamed."

i) 2 Timothy 2:15 New Living Translation (NLT)

15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

b) Oh! for a large infusion of sound knowledge for each of us - into the inner treasure house of our "spiritual heart" - that our tongue may use words wisely, and that our emotions and personal feelings become disciplined and consecrated to His Kingdom. That includes our thought-life, imagination, and whole thought system.