Description

 

I. Speaking from the Heart
    1. Central Statement: Our words are deep waters (Proverbs 18:4a TLV)
    2. Two Dangers
          a. Unguarded Venting (Prov. 18:1-3)
          b. Gossip (Prov. 18:8)
    3. Contrast to the Central Statement: Wisdom is life-giving (Prov. 18:4b)
II. The Worship of Work 
    1. Balance between the two extremes of work
          a. Do your work with energy and excellence (Prov. 18:9)
          b. Recognize and reject our culture's idolatry of work (Prov. 18:11)
    2. Trust ADONAI to provide what we need
         a. Trust in the name of the LORD (Prov. 18:10)
    3. Humble ourselves to work for ADONAI's glory
         a. Take ourselves out of competitive mode and work for the LORD (Prov. 18:12)

III. Making peace
    1. Make things right with the offended brother
         a. Settle the dispute
         b. Look at the offended with wisdom (Prov. 18:19, 14)
    2. Go and listen to your brother
         a. Listen before you speak/assume (Prov. 18:13)
         b. Question both sides (Prov. 18:17)
         c. Seek out wisdom (Prov. 18:15)
         d Go graciously with overtures of kindness (Prov. 18:16)
         e. Go with a willingness to compromise (Prov. 18:18)

IV. The Feast of our Words
    1. Our words, over time, define us and seek to satisfy us (Prov. 18:20)
    2. Our words are loaded with powerful intent (Prov. 18:21)
    3. Our words are part of a spiritual battle
    4. Our hearing is part of a spiritual battle
    5. Listen to hear; then speak grace

V. Finding Favor (Prov. 18:22-24)