A Word Fitly Spoken

Introduction:

In Proverbs 25:11, we find these classic words: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." In Col.4:6, we read these words, "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." Grace is unmerited favor--our speech should be like that. It should be like salt When our words are spoken in a timely, considerate, thoughtful, and truth-telling manner, they will be valuable to the hearers. They will truly be “like apples of gold in pictures of silver." We are at that time of year that people think of giving, but are we giving great words?

Body

I. We need to speak the truth in love.

(Eph 4:15 NKJV) but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ;

A. We are always to speak the truth.

(Eph 4:25 NKJV) Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.

(Psa 15:1-2 NKJV) LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? {2} He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart;

B. We are to speak the truth in love.

1. That doesn’t mean we lie, but it means that we are careful about what we say.

2. It would temper criticism with kindness -- Sometimes a big order.

3. Sometimes we have to speak with a brother with whom we have a disagreement.

(Mat 18:15-17) "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. {16} "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' {17} "And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

4. Sometimes it may be a family member with whom we need to speak.

a. Maybe the romance has died in our marriage.

b. Maybe we have concerns with our children.

c. Relationships are so important to God, and the devil is so bent on trying to destroy them.

C. Truth and kindness should result in appropriate words.

(Eccl 12:10 NKJV) The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright; words of truth.

II. We need to speak words of Praise.

A. Praise to God.

(Psa 34:1 NKJV) I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

(Psa 40:3 NKJV) He has put a new song in my mouth; Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.

1. We need to praise God all day long.

(Psa 71:8 NKJV) Let my mouth be filled with Your praise And with Your glory all the day.

2. The 145^th Psalm is a Psalm of praise.

3. The Hebrew writer tells us that our praise to God is a form of sacrifice to Him.

(Heb 13:15 NKJV) Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

III. We need to use good judgment in what we say.

A. Bridling our Tongue – Old Testament.

(Psa 39:1 NKJV) I said, "I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, While the wicked are before me."

(Prov 10:19 NKJV) In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

(Prov 17:27-28 NKJV) He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. {28} Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

(Psa 141:3 NKJV) Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.

(Prov 29:11 KJV) A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

(Prov 29:11 NKJV) A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.

(Prov 29:11 NASB) A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back.

(Prov 29:11 NIV) A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

B. Bridling the tongue – New Testament.

(James 1:19-20 NKJV) So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; {20} for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

(Eph 4:26 NKJV) "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath,

C. Speak with wisdom.

(Psa 37:30-31 NKJV) The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, And his tongue talks of justice. {31} The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide.

(Prov 10:13-14 NKJV) Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding. {14} Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

IV. The tongue can be used to edify.

A. How can one become an edifier?

(Psa 77:12-14 NKJV) I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds. {13} Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? {14} You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples.

B. What does an edifier do?

(Psa 119:172 NKJV) My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness.

C. How do we describe the words of an edifier?

(Prov 10:11 NKJV) The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

(Prov 10:11 NASB) The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

(Prov 10:20-21 NKJV) The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. {21} The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.

(Prov 16:24 NKJV) Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

(Eph 4:29 NKJV) Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Conclusion:

I. Let our words always be "fitly spoken"--words that are

1) Words of Truth

2) Words of Praise

3) Words of Good Judgment

4) Words of Edification

II. Is your life right with God?

Welcome to my Web site Sermons I have Preached Back to Venus Church of Christ Home Page

Hit Counter