1. This morning our lesson was based on the statement Solomon made in Proverbs 25:11. 1. He mentioned "a word fitly spoken" [saying the right thing, at the right time, in the right place, to the right person, in the right way, and for the right purpose]. 2. Its beauty and value are compared to "apples of gold in pictures of silver." 3. We examined 6 of the many fitly spoken words in the Bible. 2. In Ephesians 4:29 we are instructed to avoid words that are not fitly spoken. 3. In our lesson we are examining 6 occasions when Bible characters used words that were not fitly spoken. 4. Our purpose is to help us avoid their mistakes.
Discussion:
I. THE ISRAELITES DID NOT USE FITLY SPOKEN WORDS WHEN THEY MURMURED AS THEY TRAVELED TO THE PROMISED LAND
A. We read about 3 occasions when they murmured in: 1. Exodus 15:23-24 2. Exodus 16:2-3 3. Exodus 17:2-3. B. Christians must avoid their mistake (1 Corinthians 10:10; Philippians 2:14-15).
II. THE 10 SPIES DID NOT USE FITLY SPOKEN WORDS WHEN THEY GAVE THEIR REPORT (Numbers 13:31-33)
A. Their report caused others to murmur (Numbers 14:1-4). B. God punished many of His people by not allowing them to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:28-33).
III. JEPHTHAH DID NOT USE FITLY SPOKEN WORDS WHEN HE MADE HIS VOW
A. His vow is recorded in Judges 11:30-31. B. When he returned home his daughter met him (vs.34).
IV. THE PHARISEES DID NOT USE FITLY SPOKEN WORDS WHEN THEY ATTRIBUTED THE LORD'S POWER TO BEELZEBUB (Matthew 12)
A. Jesus cast a demon out of a man (vs.22). B. Some people had a positive response (vs.23). C. The Pharisees said that the Lord's power was from Beelzebub (vs.24). D. In His response Jesus had a word fitly spoken for them (vs.34, 37).
V. THE DISCIPLES DID NOT USE FITLY SPOKEN WORDS WHEN THEY CRITICIZED MARY (Mark 14)
A. Mary performed an act of kindness for the Lord (vs.3; John 12:3). B. The disciples criticized Mary and murmured against her (vs.4-5). C. Jesus responded with a word fitly spoken (vs.6-9).
VI. AGRIPPA DID NOT USE FITLY SPOKEN WORDS IN ACTS 26:28
Conclusion:
1. Let us avoid the mistakes made by these people who used words that were not fitly spoken. 2. Let us always practice the instructions given in Ephesians 4:29.
