How can we ensure our words bring wisdom like Job 29:22 describes? The Model: Job’s Wise Words “After my words they spoke no more; my speech settled on them like dew.” (Job 29:22) Why Job’s Speech Carried Weight • Anchored in reverence for God (Job 1:1) • Flowed from a life of integrity and compassion (Job 29:11-17) • Backed by consistent righteous living that proved his words trustworthy • Marked by humility—he spoke to serve, not to impress • Confirmed by God’s favor, which gave divine credibility to his counsel Heart Preparation: The Well Behind the Words • Daily drink deeply of Scripture—wisdom cannot flow from an empty heart (Psalm 119:97) • Invite the Holy Spirit to shape motives and attitudes (Psalm 139:23-24) • Guard the heart from bitterness and pride; what fills the heart leaks into speech (Matthew 12:34) • Cultivate awe for God; fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) Key Principles for Wise Speech • Speak life, not decay: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up…” (Ephesians 4:29) • Season every word with grace: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt…” (Colossians 4:6) • Be measured: “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19) • Aim for purity and peace: “The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving…” (James 3:17) • Time matters: “A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!” (Proverbs 15:23) • Offer healing tones: “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24) Practices That Shape Wise Speech • Begin each day with Scripture meditation; let God’s Word set your vocabulary • Memorize verses on the tongue’s power (e.g., Proverbs 25:11; James 1:19) • Listen first—wise words start with attentive ears (James 1:19) • Pause before responding; give truth time to surface • Ask silently, “Will this build up or tear down?” • Keep company with the wise; conversation habits are contagious (Proverbs 13:20) • Journal spoken words that missed the mark; confess, learn, and adjust Checking Our Words Before They Leave Our Lips T – True? H – Helpful? I – Inspired by love? N – Necessary now? K – Kind in tone? If any element fails, reform the sentence or keep silent. Walking It Out Daily • Review the day each evening—celebrate words that edified, repent of words that wounded • Seek accountability from a mature believer who will lovingly correct careless speech • Continuously rely on the Spirit’s power; human discipline alone cannot tame the tongue (James 3:8) • Trust that God will make your speech “settle…like dew”—refreshing, gentle, and fruitful |
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