Proverbs — Message 3 - The Tongue: Your Mouth Is a Steering Wheel
The tongue possesses an extraordinary capacity, wielding the power of both life and death, as articulated in Proverbs 18:21. Within this discourse, we delve into the profound implications of our speech, recognizing that our words can either construct edifices of hope or inflict grievous wounds. We are urged to become cognizant of the impact our verbal expressions have on our relationships and opportunities, for reckless speech not only diminishes trust but also stifles prosperity. Furthermore, we are reminded that the timing and tone of our utterances are paramount; a gentle answer can avert conflict, while a poorly timed truth may lead to discord. Ultimately, the transformation of our speech is intrinsically linked to the condition of our hearts, and it is imperative that we cultivate a disciplined tongue to foster an atmosphere conducive to growth and blessing. The discourse centers on the profound nature of the tongue and its capacity for both creation and destruction, as encapsulated in the proverb, 'The tongue has the power of life and death.' This episode elucidates the pivotal role that our words play in shaping our realities. By employing the metaphor of the mouth as a steering wheel, the speaker suggests that our verbal expressions can guide us toward blessings or lead us into calamity. The discussion progresses through three critical points: first, the dichotomy of words that build versus those that bleed. Reckless speech is identified as a weapon that not only harms relationships but also jeopardizes opportunities. Secondly, the necessity of soft answers is emphasized, with Proverbs 15:1 illustrating that a gentle response can defuse anger and conflict. The speaker challenges listeners to cultivate a habit of thoughtful communication, one that is marked by wisdom and consideration. Finally, the importance of timing in communication is explored, reinforcing that the efficacy of our words is not solely dependent on their content, but also on their timing and delivery. This segment concludes with actionable insights, urging listeners to reflect on their speech patterns and to embrace a disciplined approach to communication, thus fostering an environment conducive to trust and prosperity.
Takeaways:
- The power of the tongue can either create life or bring about death; we must choose our words wisely.
- Reckless words can harm both relationships and opportunities, as trust deteriorates with toxic speech.
- Employing soft answers can diffuse anger and promote understanding, revealing wisdom in communication.
- Timely and well-delivered words can transform simple statements into treasures, emphasizing the importance of discernment in speech.
Transcript
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Speaker A: Proverbs: Speaker A:Brothers and sisters, today we're not talking about demons out there.
Speaker A:We're talking about a demon with a zip code.
Speaker A:Your mouth.
Speaker A:Because some of the.
Speaker A:Some of you pray for prosperity, then speak yourself into poverty.
Speaker A:You pray for peace, then talk yourself into chaos.
Speaker A:Today we're continuing with our series on the book of Proverbs with our third message, the tongue.
Speaker A:Your mouth is a steering wheel.
Speaker A:Because, brothers and sisters, your mouth is either a magnet for blessing or a match for destruction.
Speaker A:Have you ever watched someone destroy their own life in one sentence?
Speaker A:They didn't need witchcraft.
Speaker A:They didn't need enemies.
Speaker A:They needed a mirror and a mute button.
Speaker A:A deal was almost closed.
Speaker A:Then they got aggregate.
Speaker A:A marriage was healing.
Speaker A:Then they got disrespectful.
Speaker A:A friendship was restored.
Speaker A:Then they brought up old things.
Speaker A:Let us say it like this.
Speaker A:You can't pray for what you keep poisoning.
Speaker A:You can't pray for what you keep poisoning.
Speaker A: Proverbs: Speaker A:Life and death.
Speaker A:Not life and jokes, not life and vibes.
Speaker A:Life and death.
Speaker A:So in this message today, God is going to upgrade your speech so he can upgrade your life.
Speaker A:Point one of the message, your words build or bleed.
Speaker A: Proverbs: Speaker A:Did you hear that?
Speaker A:Words can be swords.
Speaker A:That means some people don't just speak, they stab.
Speaker A:And the scary part is, they stab the same people they claim to love.
Speaker A:Spouses, children, colleagues, church members.
Speaker A:Are you a healer with your mouth or a butcher?
Speaker A:Because reckless speech doesn't only hurt relationships, but it hurts prosperity.
Speaker A:Why?
Speaker A:Because favor travels through trust, and trust dies in toxic speech.
Speaker A:Some people don't lose opportunities because they lack skill.
Speaker A:They lose opportunities because they lack control.
Speaker A:A sharp tongue can cut the rope God is using to pull you up.
Speaker A:Point two of the message, soft answers save futures.
Speaker A:Proverbs 15:1 says, a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Speaker A:In other words, your tone can start wars or stop wars.
Speaker A:You can be right and still be wrong because you said it wrong.
Speaker A:You can speak truth with pride and turn medicine into poison.
Speaker A:Now let us be real.
Speaker A:Some of you don't have an anger problem.
Speaker A:You have a mouth habit.
Speaker A:You respond too fast, you clap back too quickly.
Speaker A:You don't pause and pray.
Speaker A:James 1, verse 19 backs this up.
Speaker A:Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry, but proverbs says it first gentle answer.
Speaker A:A soft answer is not weakness.
Speaker A:It's wisdom with muscles.
Speaker A:And watch this.
Speaker A:Soft answers don't mean you avoid truth.
Speaker A:They mean you deliver truth in a way that preserves destiny.
Speaker A:Timing.
Speaker A:Point three of the message is that timing is wisdom.
Speaker A:Say the right thing at the right time.
Speaker A:Proverbs 25:1 says a word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Speaker A:That means timing and delivery can make a simple sentence feel like treasure.
Speaker A:Some people speak the truth at the wrong time and call it boldness.
Speaker A:No, that's not boldness.
Speaker A:That's poor discernment.
Speaker A:Proverbs teaches, wisdom is not just what you say, it's when you say it and how you say it.
Speaker A:And here is a prosperity principle.
Speaker A:People don't just pay for your skill, they pay for your stability.
Speaker A:They trust those who don't explode.
Speaker A:They promote those who can hold their tongue.
Speaker A:Your next level may require a new language, self control.
Speaker A:Now here are some applicable lessons and let's apply them.
Speaker A:1.
Speaker A:Before you speak, ask, Will this heal or harm?
Speaker A:2.
Speaker A:Stop speaking death over yourself.
Speaker A:No more.
Speaker A:I always fail.
Speaker A:I'm broke.
Speaker A:Nothing works for me.
Speaker A:Your mouth is training your mind to accept defeat.
Speaker A:3.
Speaker A:Bless your family out loud.
Speaker A:Speak life over your children.
Speaker A:Speak respect to your spouse.
Speaker A:4.
Speaker A:Cut gossip.
Speaker A:Gossip feels sweet, but it rots trust.
Speaker A:5.
Speaker A:Practice pauses.
Speaker A:A pause is proof you fear God more than you fear being misunderstood.
Speaker A:The Holy Spirit can't stir a mouth that never stops moving.
Speaker A:Let us be warned.
Speaker A:If your mouth is ungoverned, your life will be ungoverned.
Speaker A:Because speech is the overflow of the heart.
Speaker A:Jesus said the mouth speaks what the heart's full of.
Speaker A: Matthew: Speaker A:Pray for a new heart.
Speaker A:And here's the encouragement.
Speaker A:God can cleanse your speech.
Speaker A:He can retrain your tongue.
Speaker A:He can make you a life giver.
Speaker A:And when your words change, your atmosphere changes.
Speaker A:Prosperity loves a disciplined mouth because a disciplined mouth can be trusted.
Speaker A:Here are some short questions for reflection.
Speaker A:What pattern in my speech destroys trust?
Speaker A:2. Who have I wounded with words and what must I repair?
Speaker A:3.
Speaker A:Do I speak faith or fear?
Speaker A:When pressure hits, let us pray.
Speaker A:Father, in the name of Jesus, forgive us for reckless words, harsh tones and careless speech.
Speaker A:Cleanse our hearts because we know the mouth speaks from the heart.
Speaker A:Put a guard over our lips.
Speaker A:Make our words healing, timely and full of grace and truth.
Speaker A:Deliver us from gossip, anger, complaining and self cursing.
Speaker A:Teach us to speak life over our families, our work, our future and our finances and lead us to biblical prosperity where our mouths don't cancel our prayers, but support our obedience.
Speaker A:In Jesus, mighty name, amen.
