WOW Jan 10, 2024, Lesson 7
Proverbs 15-16
Kelly Keen
THE OVERFLOW OF THE HEART
Main Truth: The maturing believer deals diligently with heart issues that eclipse God’s glory in their lives.
I. OUR WAY WITH WORDS…
15:1 “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
15:4 “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
15:23 “To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!”
15:28 “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.”
16:21 “The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.”
16:24 “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
16: 27-28 A worthless man plots evil, and his speechis like a scorching fire. A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
PRINCIPLE: The condition of the heart determines the fruit of the lips.
II. OUR RESPONSE TO REBUKE…
15:5 A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
15:10 There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die.
15:32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.
15:31 The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. (see also 15:22)
15:12 A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.
PRINCIPLE: Those who accept correction acquire wisdom and demonstrate love for the Lord.
III. OUR PERCEPTION OF PRIDE…
16:5 “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.”
16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
15:33 “The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
16:6 “By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.”
PRINCIPLE: The wise in heart recognize the danger of pride and commit to growing in humility.
