This weekend, Pastor Greg spoke of how to foolproof our words. The book of Proverbs stresses the importance of our words. We can either build people up or tear them down with our words. Pastor Greg focused on three primary points within that theme: 1.) Controlling your words is a sign of maturity, 2.)Choosing to speak blessing can change someone’s day or even their life, 3.) Occupy your tongue with blessing so that you don’t have time for cursing.

Why are words so important? How have you been built up or torn down by the words of others? How have words had a lasting effect on you for good or for ill?

Why is it so hard to control our tongues? In what settings do you struggle the most to use your words constructively? With family, friends, or coworkers? On social media?

How do our words and our usage of them reflect our maturity? What areas do you need to grow most in how you use (or don’t use) your words?

Who are people in your life that use their words well to help build up people? What are specific things they do with their words to encourage others?

Who are people in your life that you can most easily and effectively encourage with your words right now? What might you say to them to build them up?

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Take time to pray and ask God for wisdom as well as help to live out these strategies as you pursue wisdom.