Living Life Skillfully (Part 24)

 

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)