and whoever has understanding is even-tempered

The internet is full of quick resources, words and self-help advice amidst times of calm and times of crisis. Today we talk about Anger. You can find help on literally anything on the go anytime, anywhere. But how much of it is true and actually helpful and how much of it is just click-bait and sensationalism. Thankfully, we have a book that has stood the test of time. King Solomon, the wisest man to have ever lived (excluding Jesus fully-man of course). Solomon, Son of David, when asked by God he can have anything he wants, Solomon responded  “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (2 Chronicles 1:10). It is through this godly wisdom that we have the book of Proverbs today! Today we focus on Proverbs 17 – Words are Powerful!

Amazing!

Let’s journey through Proverbs!

Words are Powerful

Our words are powerful.

The Bible teaches that God created the world by “speaking” (Genesis 1:3) and then created human beings in His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:26).

So, the reality is that when we “speak” things, we are also “creating” things.

But how is this possible?

• When we speak to confront evil, we create a chance for either healing or hatred.
• Or we speak helpful words, we create goodness in the life of another person.
• And we speak things that aren’t true, we light fires of chaos and send them spreading throughout our lives and the lives of others.

The wisest thing we could learn to do is to watch our words. Words aren’t just words, they’re building blocks. Things are made out of what we say.

Proverbs says, “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.” (Proverbs 17:27)

When we learn to “restrain” our words – when we learn to speak when it’s helpful and necessary and choose our words wisely – we take seriously the power of our words.

Social Media

In today’s social media culture, our words can appear in digital black and white with no emotions or context behind them. We may feel like tearing someone apart on Twitter or raging against a cause on Facebook, but we have to realize that we create a trail of misunderstanding and distraction if we don’t choose our words carefully.

Today, consider the power your words have had lately. What have you said in the last 24 hours and what consequences or benefits have come from what you said?

What situations are in front of you right now that you feel you need to speak into, and what impact will your words create if you do speak? Is it possible that you should stay quiet and listen instead?

Proverbs 17

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
    than a house full of feasting, with strife.

2 A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son
    and will share the inheritance as one of the family.

3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
    but the Lord tests the heart.

4 A wicked person listens to deceitful lips;
    a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

5 Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker;
    whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.

6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged,
    and parents are the pride of their children.

7 Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool—
    how much worse lying lips to a ruler!

8 A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it;
    they think success will come at every turn.

9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
    but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

10 A rebuke impresses a discerning person
    more than a hundred lashes a fool.

11 Evildoers foster rebellion against God;
    the messenger of death will be sent against them.

12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
    than a fool bent on folly.

13 Evil will never leave the house
    of one who pays back evil for good.

14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
    so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—
    the Lord detests them both.

16 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom,
    when they are not able to understand it?

17 A friend loves at all times,
    and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

18 One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge
    and puts up security for a neighbor.

19 Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin;
    whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.

20 One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper;
    one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.

21 To have a fool for a child brings grief;
    there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.

22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

23 The wicked accept bribes in secret
    to pervert the course of justice.

24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
    but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son brings grief to his father
    and bitterness to the mother who bore him.

26 If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good,
    surely to flog honest officials is not right.

27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
    and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
    and discerning if they hold their tongues.