Strength in Quietness

Bible Reading: Proverbs 10:19-21 (KJV)

MEMORY VERSE: For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. – James 3:2 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 10:19-21 (KJV)

19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

Also Read: Open Heaven 22 February 2026 – The Unlimited God (4)

INTRODUCTION: Words are powerful and can make or mar (Proverbs 6:2). Words can save or put one in trouble. It takes forethought and self-discipline to be a master of few words (spoken in wisdom). Therefore, being in a rush to speak always is a sign of weakness and foolishness (James 1:19).

LESSON OUTLINES

1. THE FOOL’S MOUTH
2. BEING SLOW TO SPEAK AND ITS BENEFITS

1. THE FOOL’S MOUTH

A fool is a person who acts unwisely or imprudently. However, one of the downfalls of a fool is his mouth, which is very quick to expressions. According to Proverbs 18:7, a fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his rash words are a trap to his soul. This is because no bridle is employed to keep the mouth shut and to speak only when necessary. A fool’s mouth is used to engage in ceaseless and unprofitable arguments (Proverbs 18:6), which may end up in a fight. The mouth of a fool without control runs things beyond bounds and attracts punishments (Proverbs 17:28). A fool is not trusted because of irregularity in speech (Proverbs 19:1). A fool utters his entire mind (Proverbs 29:11) and hates accountability. He talks as if he knows all that is right and hates accountability. The talk of a fool will destroy him because he does not take to instruction and rejects responsibilities (Ecclesiastes 10:12). A fool argues and expresses frustrations openly and thus cannot cease from strife (Proverbs 20:3).

2. BEING SLOW TO SPEAK AND ITS BENEFITS

Being slow to speak is never a sign of weakness. Apostle James, in the book of James 1:19, admonishes everyone to be slow to speak. To be slow to speak, we must learn to do the following:

1. Think before talking (Proverbs 23:7; 29:20).
2. Choose and use words wisely (Proverbs 25:11).
3. Let our words be gracious (Colossians 4:6).
4. Avoid being rash with words and decisions (Proverbs 15:1; Acts 19:36).
5. Speak with wisdom (Psalm 37:30).
6. Talk less (Proverbs 15:28) and listen actively and attentively to others (Job 29:9-10).
7. Ask the Lord to set a guard at your mouth (Psalm 141:3; James 3:2).

Being slow to speak has a lot of benefits. For instance, it shows we are knowledgeable (Proverbs 17:27; 15:2). Also, it depicts understanding (Proverbs 10:13; 17:28b) and the right use of words (Proverbs 8:8).

If we ‘bridle’ our tongues, we will command attention and respect (Proverbs 12:14). Our words will be sound and seasoned (Titus 2:8; Proverbs 15:23). We will avoid needless arguments, troubles, battles and keep safe (Proverbs 13:3; 21:23).

CONCLUSION: We can create unneeded tension if we are rash with our mouths. Relationships grow by listening actively and speaking slowly.

QUESTIONS:

1. Mention three characteristics of a fool’s mouth.
2. Mention three benefits of being slow to speak.

FURTHER READINGS:

Sunday: Psalm 34:13 (KJV)

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Monday: Psalm 32:9 (KJV)

Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

Tuesday: Proverbs 21:23 (KJV)

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Wednesday: Psalm 39:1 (KJV)

I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

Thursday: 1 Kings 8:46 (KJV)

If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;

Friday: Colossians 3:16 (KJV)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Saturday: 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

ASSIGNMENT: Identify five Bible characters who made hasty decisions and these landed them in trouble. Give a Bible reference for each point (2×5=10 Marks).