Proverbs 12:13-25 | The Beginning of Wisdom
August 30, 2023
Proverbs 12:13-25 | The Beginning of Wisdom

Sticks and Stones

Our words are powerful! Our words can heal or wound, build up or tear down, bring life or carry death. That’s why Proverbs takes so much time to teach us how to use our words well. Good, life-giving words are honest, kind, fitting … and few.

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Proverbs 12:13-25

  1. Proverbs 18:24 tells us that our words have the power of life and death. Where in our world do you see words used to bring life? How about death?
  2. When have you experienced the power of someone’s words to heal and inspire or to wound and discourage? 
  3. Our words need to be honest (v 17, 19) and kind (v 25). Which one is easier for you: honesty or kindness? What is the risk in adopting one characteristic without the other?
  4. When have you witnessed someone carefully choose their words to fit a situation? What was the effect?
  5. Which characteristic of good words—honest, kind, fitting, few—is God inviting you to grow in? 
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