The Weight of Words
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Series: Wisdom For Families
DescriptionWisdom for Families #3 “The Weight of Words” Prov. 18:21Intro: Fred Craddock tells the story of an encounter with Ben Hooper Things they said to me cut so deep…whispered landed on back as burdens Who are you, son? Whose boy are you? Oh, I know who you are. I see the family resemblance now. You are a Child of God! (rump slap) Boy, you’ve got a great inheritance. Go claim it! Those were the most important words anybody ever said to me! Ben Hooper, Governor of Tenn., “the Unwanted Boy” • Late in life the town physician acknowledged him as son; but he credits that rural Baptist Church for “Adopting” him. t/s – That story demonstrates the Weight of Words. • We tend to minimize words…. “Just talk”… “Didn’t mean it” • Bible magnifies the weight, power of words… Proverbs • Words, Our Talk to One Another, Vital Role in Family Life! Proverbs 18:21 • Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit ----- You Choose. (Peterson) T/S – Our Words are the Tools we use to Build our Homes. If you tend to say what you should not say, BE CAREFUL. Exp – You know who you are… careless with words… … temper, weapons, thoughtless… Proverbs 10:19 Proverbs 12:18 Sword (Penetrates) Fire (Spreads) Your words cut deeper and spread farther than you know. ILL – Playing games on summer evenings…Front Porch was “Base” • Safe from the sting of sarcasm; teasing that cuts; all manner of words that bludgeon and bruise and burden our Families. Ill – Little boy building a tower of cardboard block after stacking, he turned to pick up another, only to knock down his tower with his backside! App – Is it possible that everything you build up through selfless Service; sacrificial provision you turn around and tear down with your careless words! If you tend to NOT Say what you should Say, BE FAITHFUL. Exp – Hear this simple, powerful observations about speaking up. Proverbs 16: 24; Proverbs 25: 11; Proverbs 27:5 ILL – Many remember the story of Absolom’s Rebellion…Forced his Own father (David) to flee Jerusalem…flee for his life! • What Caused the Tragedy? David’s Silence toward his Sons! • Did not speak up to Correct Amnon; Gave Absolom the “Silent Treatment”…a kind of partial forgiveness…none at all. • Absolom, “I’d rather be executed than ignored!” App – Your silence can be as sinful, and hurtful, as careless words. Prov. 25:13 – Like cool snow on hot day…faithful messenger! T/S – Ephesians 4:29 • Be Careful with your words • Be Faithful with you words • Death and Life are in the power of the Tongue! Every Time You Open Your Mouth, You Reveal Your Heart. Exp – Words can never be minimized because of the impact they have on Hear; and, the truth they reveal about those who speak! Proverbs 10:20 – Tongue and Heart are placed Parallel. In Family Conflict, Crisis, (Anger, bitterness, Resentment…) …. “I wish you could see my Heart” …. That is just the problem… Your Heart is not Hard to Know It is hard wired to your mouth! Matthew 12: 33-37 App – Nothing better exposes our need for a Savior! (Your Words) Concl – J.V Lobaugh (1950’s Pastor) asked me about Deacon Bill. • Bill had the ugliest mouth I ever heard. At Little League ball games, yell at coaches, umpire, son, wife…fistacuffs! • I knew Bill to be a kind, soft-spoken man…careful with Words. I asked, “What happened?” • J.V. looked at me kind of disappointed, “He got Saved!” |