1. As David concluded Psalm 19 he made a request that involved his words. 2. He wanted his words to be acceptable in God's sight. 3. Our lesson is based on David's request -- "let our words be acceptable to God."
Discussion:
I. FOR OUR WORDS TO BE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD WE MUST PAY ATTENTION TO THE "QUANTITY" OF OUR WORDS (Proverbs 10:19) A. The first part of this verse mentions "the multitude of words." 1. This refers to an uncontrolled tongue. 2. Where an uncontrolled tongue exists, sin will not be far away. B. The latter part of this verse mentions one who "refrains" [controls] his lips. 1. One who "refrains his lips" is said to be "wise." 2. Not only is such a person wise, but he will also avoid the sins associated with a multitude of words. C. By making this contrast in Proverbs 10:19, Solomon stressed the importance of paying attention to the "quantity" of our words.
II. FOR OUR WORDS TO BE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD WE MUST PAY ATTENTION TO THE "QUALITY" OF OUR WORDS
A. On the negative side, the Scriptures condemn uncontrolled speech. 1. (Proverbs 8:13b) The Lord hates a "froward" [perverted] mouth. 2. (Proverbs 13:3b) A person who opens his lips wide is headed for destruction. 3. (James 1:26) Religion that is accompanied by an unbridled tongue is "vain." 4. Examples of sinful speech: blasphemy, cursing, gossip, lying, railing, slander, murmuring, etc. B. On the positive side, the Scriptures show that special blessings are associated with controlled speech. 1. (Proverbs 13:3a) One who "keeps" [guards] his mouth keeps his life. 2. (Proverbs 17:27-28) Wisdom is associated with controlled speech. 3. A special comparison is made in Proverbs 25:11. 4. (1 Peter 3:10) Those who control their speech will enjoy long life and see good days. C. The Lord requires His people to pay attention to the "quality" as well as the "quantity" of our words. D. Let us turn our attention to some . . .
III. INSTRUCTIONS THAT WILL HELP US TO SPEAK WORDS THAT ARE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD
A. We might conclude from James 3:5-8 that we cannot control our speech. 1. This cannot be true because James 3:2 teaches that it can be done. 2. The point being made is that no one else can control your speech. 3. Controlling speech is a personal matter -- only the individual can do it, with the Lord's help. B. Suggestions: 1. Let us heed the Lord's admonitions such as the one given in Psalm 34:13. 2. Let us determine to control our speech with the Lord's help (Psalm 39:1). 3. Let us remember that God is aware of the things we say (Psalm 139:4). 4. Let us learn to differentiate between times to speak and times to be silent (Ecclesiastes 3:7). 5. Let us keep the right things in our hearts (Matthew 12:34-35). 6. Let us practice the instructions given in Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6.
Conclusion:
1. It has been said that the way we begin each day is very important. 2. An excellent way to begin each day is with the uplifting statement found in Psalm 118:24. 3. A good 2nd statement to make each morning is found in Psalm 19:14. 4. If we will take heed to the passages we have studied, our words will be acceptable to God.