Wisdom for Your Words

Words matter more than we realize.

On February 3, 1943, the troop ship SS Dorchester was struck by a German torpedo in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. As panic spread across the sinking ship, four Army chaplains moved calmly through the chaos. Survivors later remembered hearing their voices offering courage, giving directions, and praying with frightened soldiers. When the supply of life jackets ran out, the chaplains gave away their own.

In moments like that, words are never "just words." The right word spoken at the right moment can strengthen courage, calm fear, and give life.

Most of us will never stand on the deck of a sinking ship, but every day we find ourselves in situations where our words matter. Proverbs 25:11-14 teaches us what wise words can do and how we can use them well.

A Wise Word Relates

Proverbs 25:11 says, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver."

A wise word fits the occasion. It relates to a person's situation. Before speaking, wisdom takes the time to listen, learn, and understand. Rather than rushing to offer an opinion, wise people seek to understand what someone is experiencing so they can offer guidance that truly helps.

There is joy in giving a word that fits the moment. Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is simply listen carefully and respond thoughtfully.

A Wise Word Reproves

Proverbs 25:12 reminds us that wisdom is not always comfortable.

Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is tell the truth when someone is heading in the wrong direction. Scripture says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend" (Proverbs 27:6).

A wise word of correction is not harsh or self-righteous. It comes from love. It seeks the good of another person. True friends care enough to speak up when wisdom requires it.

A Wise Word Refreshes

Proverbs 25:13 compares a faithful messenger to the refreshing coolness of snow brought down from the mountains during harvest season.

We all know what it feels like to be refreshed by someone's words. Encouragement, kindness, and gracious speech can strengthen a weary soul. Proverbs 16:24 says, "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body."

In a world filled with criticism and negativity, Christians should be known for speaking words that refresh and encourage.

A Wise Word Regards

Proverbs 25:14 warns against empty promises. A person who boasts about a gift he never gives is like clouds that promise rain but never deliver.

Wise words are different. They show genuine care for others. They regard people as valuable. They offer life rather than disappointment. Proverbs 10:11 says, "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life."

Our words should communicate love, grace, and attention to those around us.

Four Tools for Wise Words

If wise words are the goal, Proverbs also gives us practical tools to help us get there.

Timing: Not every true thing needs to be said immediately. Wise people listen before they speak.

Tone: The right words delivered with the wrong attitude often fail. "A soft answer turns away wrath" (Proverbs 15:1).

Temperature: Before speaking, consider the emotional climate. Sometimes wisdom means waiting until tempers cool before continuing a conversation.

Tally: Wise people know when to stop talking. Proverbs reminds us that when words are many, sin is often close behind.

The Power of Words

Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."

That is a remarkable statement. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, encourage or discourage, heal or wound. God cares deeply about how we speak because our words reveal what is happening in our hearts.

Jesus taught that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). The words that come from us reveal what is within us.

The good news is that God has spoken the wisest words we could ever hear: the words of the gospel.

God loves you. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live the life you could never live, die the death you deserved, and rise again from the grave. When we repent of our sins and trust in Christ, He changes us from the inside out. A transformed heart begins producing transformed speech.

As followers of Jesus, we should do our best to deliver wise words at the right time, with a caring tone, in a cool spirit, without saying too much.

After all, if Jesus has changed our hearts, people ought to be able to hear it in our words.

You can watch this sermon in its entirety on our YouTube page.