When you lead a Bible study, you quickly discover that people are different. And when your meeting consists primarily of discussion, people’s differences can make things messy. It’s not hard to find good advice for moderating the messiness (such as how to confront conversation hijackers or redirect discussion detours), so I won’t repeat such advice here. Instead I’d like to reflect on the effects of wise words.
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. (Prov 10:11)
The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. (Prov 10:21)
Drew Bennett (2008), Creative Commons
The righteous wisdom from God is a great blessing for the people of God, because those with such wisdom on their lips “feed many.” Thus, I’d rather attend one Bible study led by a master sage whose godliness disinfects any mess, than a hundred Bible studies led by an inquisitive guru who has memorized all the proper techniques. The wisdom of God demands that we not only do wise things (Prov 1:2-3) but also become wise people (Prov 1:4-6). Thankfully, the Lord has made the evidence of such wisdom easily observable so we can search it out and increase our risk of contamination.
1. Wise Words Deliver
With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered. (Prov 11:9)
Wise leaders speak knowledge that delivers. Repentance and faith take root. Conflict resolves. Lives change.
2. Wise Words Delight
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! (Prov 15:23. See also Prov 16:24, 24:24-26, 25:25)
When wise leaders speak, people rejoice. Seasonal words can’t be programmed; they merely flow from a heart conditioned to consider others’ needs more than its own.
3. Wise Words Gladden
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. (Prov 12:25)
The difference between this point and the previous one is the difference between a process and its result. If you want those you lead to find delight, you’ll need to learn how to go about encouraging them through their dark moments. This “good word” that gladdens has very little to do with getting the sentiments exactly right. It has everything to do with listening, asking questions, and letting yourself feel what they feel. Often, the good news comes when they find they don’t have to suffer and groan alone (Rom 8:22-27).
4. Wise Words Heal
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Prov 16:24.)
Wise leaders speak hope that not only rescues from sin but also directs toward righteousness. Such heart surgery is the Christian’s highest health. Sometimes we misdefine “healing” as “freedom to stew and to speak every angry thought you’ve had toward the person who offended you.” But true spiritual healing stands in stark contrast to such violent sword thrusts (Prov 12:18).
5. Wise Words Defuse
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Prov 15:1)
When a wise leader gets involved, tempers dissipate and misunderstood people learn to seek understanding. A wise teacher won’t refute an opposing viewpoint unless the opponent would agree his position has been represented fairly. Generalizations are not overused, and particularizations are not asinine.
6. Wise Words Persuade
The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. (Prov 16:21. See also Prov 16:23.)
Wise leaders have a reputation for distinguishing truth from error. People in need of help seek them out and ask for their opinions. Such leaders can pinpoint main ideas, use accurate labels, predict actions’ consequences, and enumerate clear recommendations. And hungry souls find such speech extraordinarily sweet.
7. Wise Words Inspire
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. (Prov 15:2. See also Prov 15:7.)
When good leaders adorn the truth with beauty, people discover a thirst they didn’t know they had. The knowledge of God becomes more desirable, and folly looks not only foolish but also repellent.
8. Wise Words Influence
Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right. (Prov 16:13)
Sometimes we worry about what people think of us, and we should repent. But other times we don’t think about it enough, and we should. People can love you for the wrong reasons, and they can also love you for the right reasons. The problem is not with the love but with the reasons. Do they think of you as someone who speaks what is right? Do people follow your leadership because they have to, or because they want to?
By all means, please learn good techniques for leading Bible study discussions. But more importantly, please gain lips of wisdom.
Question: What are your next steps for developing a heart and mouth of wisdom?
This is a really helpful post, Peter, in seeing the effects that wise words have! Thanks for writing this post!