Get Wisdom | A Series in the Book of Proverbs | Words (Proverbs 18:21)

Genesis 1:27-28

Words are a unique and powerful tool given to us by God for the purpose of reflecting His image.

The temptation is to think, “But I’m not doing anything. It’s only words.” But words alone can bring a government down or establish peace, destroy a marriage or renew hope, crush a child’s sense of worth or lift him to confidence and joy, unify a church or splinter it into angry factions, send a soul to hell or to heaven. When we observe carefully the impact of our words, we see why God cares so intensely about them.
— Ray Ortlund

Proverbs 12:14, 18, 15:4, 18:21

Ultimately, our words are a clear indicator of who or what we worship and thus, we will be held accountable for them.

Matthew 12:33-37 // James 3:9-12

God’s word should shape our words for the good of others:
Conversation, counsel, correction, encouragement, or silence.

Proverbs 4:10-13 // Romans 12:10 // Proverbs 27:9 // Proverbs 29:6 // Ephesians 4:29 // Ecclesiastes 3:7

BUT

If we’re not guarded, the world will influence our words to the detriment of others:
Grumbling, gossip, flattery, and clamor.

James 3:3-8 // Colossians 3:7-10