Words To Live By: Week 4

Words to Live By - Week 4
On Speech

Welcome!
The average person speaks around 15,000 words in a day. While many of us would be hard pressed to remember all the things we’ve said at the end of the day, our words can have a lasting impact on the people around us. 

The writers of Proverbs understood the power of our speech. As followers of Jesus we are representatives of God in the world. So we don’t just speak on behalf of ourselves, the things we say and the way we say them can be the very reason someone turns toward or away from God. It is weighty stuff.

At the same time, words can do so much good. Encouragement, praise, and empathy expressed in conversation can change the course of someone’s day, week, or year. We get to shine so much light when we speak. 

This week we’ll talk about talking.


Opening Prayer: 
God, we gather together grateful for an opportunity to listen, learn, and share with this group. As we talk about our speech, help to make this conversation fruitful and full of your spirit. Continue to draw us together as a group, and bring each one of us closer to you. Amen. 


Ice Breaker: 

Tell us your favorite quote. It can be from a book, movie, or song. It can be funny or thought provoking. What are some words that stick with you? 

The Head:
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords,  but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”
Proverbs 12:18-19

“A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.”
Proverbs 14:3

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”
Proverbs 15:1-2

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Proverbs 16:24

1. What characteristics would you use to describe someone who does not use their words well? 

2. Pulling from these verses and your own experience, what are some of the positive results of using wisdom when speaking? 

3. Imagine you are a writer of the Proverbs. What 2022 wisdom for speech would you add to the ones listed above?

Example: Words shared over the phone are better than those shared over text, but words shared face-to-face are the best of all.



The Heart: 

In Paul's letter to the church in Colossae, known to us as the book of Colossians in the New Testament, he wrote about the words we use and the way we use them.  Paul wrote:

Pray that I might be able to make it as clear as I ought to when I preach. Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Your speech should always be gracious and sprinkled with insight so that you may know how to respond to every person. - Colossians 4:4-6

1. How mindful are you of the words you speak? Would you describe yourself as quick or slow to speak? 

2. How have you been positively impacted by words in your life? What about those words contributed to their long-lasting impact? 

3. What situations, settings, or people tend to make you lose control of your speech? What are your triggers for lashing out with language? 

Closing Prayer:
God, we are people of the word. The word you left for us in scripture and the word you sent to us in your son Jesus Christ. It is our hope that we can be people who use our own words for good. Help us to slow down before we speak. Make listening our first instinct. Give us words to build up rather than tear down. Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing to you. All this we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Hands:

1. In some situations our words are better used to make someone else feel comforted, rather than to fix their problem. What are some words or phrases you have found to make yourself or those around you feel seen and loved? Share these with the group this week. This way a list of sorts can be formed among you. 
2. Maybe you’re not much of a decorator, but the words we surround ourselves with matter. What piece of art, verse of scripture, or encouraging quote can you incorporate into your surroundings, phone or laptop home screen to help you be mindful of your speech? 

Call to Action: What are you feeling God is calling you to do?