Strength in Quietness

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

OPENING PRAYER: Dear God, help me to be slow to speak.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow the assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.

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.

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).

TEXT REVIEW: PROVERBS 10:19-21

The above text discourages excessive talk and rates highly a controlled tongue in clear terms that:

i. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. V19.

ii. What does the text say about:

a. the tongue of the just? …………… V20a.

b. the heart of the wicked? ………… V20b.

c. the lips of the righteous? ………… V21a.

d. fools? ………………………….. V21b.

LESSON OUTLINES

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

LESSON OUTLINE 1: THE FOOL’S MOUTH

A. The teacher should explain the following truths about a fool:

i. A fool is a person who acts unwisely or imprudently.

ii. One of the downfalls of a fool is his mouth, which is very quick to expressions.

iii. According to Proverbs 18:7, a fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his rash words are a trap to his own soul.

B. The nature of a fool among others is such that:

i. No bridle is employed to keep the mouth shut and to speak only when necessary.

ii. A fool’s mouth is used to engage in ceaseless and unprofitable arguments (Proverbs 18:6), which may end up in a fight.

iii. The mouth of a fool runs without control thus bringing about restlessness (Proverbs 17:28).

C. A fool is not trusted because of:

i. Irregularity in speech (Proverbs 19:1).

ii. A fool utters his entire mind (Proverbs 29:11).

iii. A fool believes he is always right and hates accountability.

D. The talk of a fool will destroy him because:

i. A fool does not take to instruction and rejects responsibilities (Ecclesiastes 10:12).

ii. A fool argues and expresses frustrations openly and thus cannot cease from strife (Proverbs 20:3).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The students should share with the class instances where they were quick to talk and the outcome.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: BEING SLOW TO SPEAK AND ITS BENEFITS

A. 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).

B. Being slow to speak has a lot of benefits. For instance:

1. It shows we are knowledgeable (Proverbs 17:27; 15:2).
2. It depicts understanding (Proverbs 10:13; 17:28b) and the right use of words (Proverbs 8:8).
3. If we are able to ‘bridle’ our tongues, we will command attention and respect (Proverbs 12:14).
4. Our words will be sound and seasoned (Titus 2:8; Proverbs 15:23).
5. We will avoid needless arguments, troubles, battles and keep safe (Proverbs 13:3; 21:23).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: The students should share any experience where they were slow to speak, and its outcome.

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

EVALUATION: What should be the right attitude of believers toward talking?

CLOSING PRAYER: God, help me to know when to talk and to be quiet in Jesus’ name.

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).