Fernwood Baptist Church

Outline
I. The Tongue Has Power (11:12; 12:18; 15:4; 16:27; 18:20–21; 25:23; 26:2)
II. Flattery (26:28; 28:23; 29:5)
III. Slander and Gossip (10:18; 11:13; 16:28; 17:9; 18:8; 20:19; 26:20, 22)
IV. Quarreling (17:14, 19; 20:3; 22:10; 26:21)
V. Lying (12:19, 22; 17:20; 19:5, 22; 21:6)

Just as healthy food is good for your stomach, good, healthy speech is actually good for your soul and conscience.

A person who thinks before he speaks demonstrates wisdom to those who are around him and protect him.

A fool is someone who is hard-headed and won't listen to reason.

Flattery is praise that is given to you so you can deceive someone into doing what you want them to do.

While gossip is tempting to hear and share, it is also spiritually deadly and can lead to unwanted consequences.

Gossip is the fuel that feeds the fire of a quarrel.

A person who loves a quarrel also loves sin because you can't quarrel without sin.

A person who is prone to fighting or eager to argue is like wood that feeds a fire... He continues to heat up the strife with his words.

Why is it best to tell the truth? Not just because lies get you in trouble but because God hates lying.