WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.660 I don't even want to answer out loud, but how many weapons do you think are in this room right now? 00:00:09.099 --> 00:00:19.260 Well, my guess is there's several pistols and knives that could be produced if needed. 00:00:20.280 --> 00:00:21.260 No doubt. 00:00:21.260 --> 00:00:28.920 But those are not the kind of weapons I want you to think about right now. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.679 The weapons that I'm thinking about are our tongues. 00:00:36.679 --> 00:00:52.400 For you see, this weapon, that tongue, on a daily basis is used more dangerously 00:00:52.399 --> 00:01:03.579 and causes more damage than the guns and knives that we have in our possession right now. 00:01:03.579 --> 00:01:17.120 The book of Proverbs describes the human tongue or human speech as something that is very powerful, 00:01:17.259 --> 00:01:23.900 so powerful that it has the power of life and death. 00:01:23.900 --> 00:01:29.620 Look at something we looked at two weeks ago from Proverbs chapter 18. 00:01:30.580 --> 00:01:35.380 He writes, death and life are in the power of the tongue. 00:01:36.040 --> 00:01:40.460 For the past two weeks, we've been looking at the destructive power of the tongue, haven't we? 00:01:40.459 --> 00:01:42.459 We've been looking at the wrong use of our tongues. 00:01:42.459 --> 00:01:44.859 And it's there. 00:01:45.000 --> 00:01:46.699 It's present in our lives. 00:01:47.699 --> 00:01:50.500 We're talking about the wrong use of our words. 00:01:51.639 --> 00:02:02.159 We've noted over these past two weeks the harmful effect of things like gossip, slander, lying, boasting, or bragging. 00:02:02.159 --> 00:02:10.659 We also looked beyond the speech problem to the real source of our problem. 00:02:11.159 --> 00:02:13.219 It's a heart problem. 00:02:14.300 --> 00:02:19.240 If we have corrupt words, it's because we have a corrupt heart. 00:02:20.199 --> 00:02:25.519 And Jesus is the one who pointed that out very clearly in Luke chapter 6. 00:02:25.699 --> 00:02:26.240 Look at it. 00:02:26.240 --> 00:02:31.740 The good person, out of the good treasure of his heart, produces good. 00:02:32.159 --> 00:02:37.120 And the evil person, out of his evil treasure, produces evil. 00:02:37.759 --> 00:02:43.719 For out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks. 00:02:44.139 --> 00:02:45.180 Make it personal. 00:02:46.180 --> 00:02:53.620 Out of the abundance of your heart, your mouth speaks. 00:02:53.620 --> 00:03:00.379 And I pointed out last week, that is very convicting to me. 00:03:02.159 --> 00:03:04.840 And I'm going to guess it's convicting to a lot of people. 00:03:07.460 --> 00:03:13.139 Proverbs has much to say about the destructive power of the tongue. 00:03:13.620 --> 00:03:14.780 But that's not all it says. 00:03:15.979 --> 00:03:16.900 Look again. 00:03:17.859 --> 00:03:18.859 Chapter 18. 00:03:19.539 --> 00:03:21.680 There is life-giving power in the tongue. 00:03:22.039 --> 00:03:25.699 Death and life are in the power of the tongue. 00:03:25.699 --> 00:03:28.719 And that's what I want us to focus on today and next week. 00:03:30.879 --> 00:03:34.239 I want us to think about the right use of words. 00:03:34.339 --> 00:03:41.819 Or to be more Proverbs-like, let's think about it in terms of the wise use of words. 00:03:41.819 --> 00:03:48.199 The first thing I want us to notice is, wise people speak truthfully. 00:03:49.780 --> 00:03:53.739 That's just the opposite of what we saw two weeks ago. 00:03:54.699 --> 00:03:57.060 Or no, really that one was last week. 00:03:57.560 --> 00:03:59.840 The destructive power of lying. 00:04:01.099 --> 00:04:02.639 But today we're going to look at the flip side. 00:04:02.840 --> 00:04:03.859 The positive side. 00:04:04.459 --> 00:04:05.819 Wise people speak truthfully. 00:04:05.819 --> 00:04:11.780 And you know, Proverbs describes this in several ways. 00:04:12.259 --> 00:04:16.819 It sort of sheds light on what we're talking about from different perspectives. 00:04:17.819 --> 00:04:18.839 Look at the first one. 00:04:19.779 --> 00:04:21.019 In chapter 15 it says, 00:04:21.139 --> 00:04:24.539 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, 00:04:25.019 --> 00:04:29.480 but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. 00:04:29.480 --> 00:04:32.960 The word gentle is sometimes translated soothing, 00:04:33.680 --> 00:04:35.640 and sometimes healthy. 00:04:36.700 --> 00:04:39.840 A healthy tongue, a soothing tongue, 00:04:40.400 --> 00:04:42.879 is a tree of life. 00:04:43.860 --> 00:04:49.879 Healthy speech communicates complete truth. 00:04:51.319 --> 00:04:57.319 Healthy speech is not a sick form of the truth. 00:04:57.319 --> 00:05:00.980 Not a perverted form of the truth. 00:05:01.639 --> 00:05:03.860 Now the reference to a tree of life points out 00:05:03.860 --> 00:05:06.659 that this is the kind of speech that is life-giving. 00:05:07.560 --> 00:05:10.899 It provides wisdom, truthful words, 00:05:12.600 --> 00:05:13.680 soothing words, 00:05:14.579 --> 00:05:15.800 healthy words, 00:05:16.519 --> 00:05:18.579 provide wisdom for right living. 00:05:19.420 --> 00:05:21.279 Now this form of speaking truthfully, 00:05:22.279 --> 00:05:25.259 what it means is you state the facts as they really are, 00:05:25.259 --> 00:05:26.779 not like you want them to be. 00:05:28.219 --> 00:05:32.219 This kind of truthful speech means that you shoot straight. 00:05:33.399 --> 00:05:38.860 You actually say what the facts require you to say. 00:05:39.480 --> 00:05:40.740 On the negative side, 00:05:40.819 --> 00:05:42.379 it means you don't twist the truth. 00:05:43.379 --> 00:05:45.620 You don't mislead a person. 00:05:46.920 --> 00:05:48.300 You don't pervert the truth. 00:05:49.600 --> 00:05:52.100 Now, let's look at it from a different perspective. 00:05:52.100 --> 00:05:54.100 From Proverbs 24. 00:05:54.100 --> 00:05:59.400 Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips. 00:06:00.340 --> 00:06:03.720 The NIV translates this in a more, 00:06:04.160 --> 00:06:06.020 what we might call poetic form, 00:06:06.220 --> 00:06:09.680 and shows the comparison being made better. 00:06:09.820 --> 00:06:10.760 Look at it from the NIV. 00:06:11.520 --> 00:06:16.040 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. 00:06:16.040 --> 00:06:22.900 Now, the meaning here is that speaking the truth is not only right, 00:06:23.420 --> 00:06:25.540 but it's good. 00:06:26.939 --> 00:06:28.540 It's beneficial. 00:06:29.580 --> 00:06:31.680 It's even pleasurable. 00:06:32.580 --> 00:06:33.939 Old Testament commentator, 00:06:34.280 --> 00:06:35.860 Tripper Longman, 00:06:36.860 --> 00:06:39.180 he makes this comment about that verse. 00:06:39.180 --> 00:06:40.180 He says, 00:06:40.340 --> 00:06:41.759 Kissing and truth-telling 00:06:41.759 --> 00:06:45.660 are two positive and pleasurable acts 00:06:45.660 --> 00:06:50.160 one can perform or receive from the lips. 00:06:51.160 --> 00:06:52.379 I know what you're thinking. 00:06:52.460 --> 00:06:53.360 I thought the same thing. 00:06:54.800 --> 00:06:57.079 The kiss has got to come from the right person 00:06:57.079 --> 00:07:00.819 in order for it to be pleasurable. 00:07:00.819 --> 00:07:05.099 You know, there's some people you just want to spit, you know. 00:07:08.019 --> 00:07:10.920 Now, we're being honest here. 00:07:11.379 --> 00:07:12.399 It comes to your mind. 00:07:13.819 --> 00:07:17.219 But, let's be true to the text. 00:07:17.920 --> 00:07:19.539 A kiss in the ancient world 00:07:19.539 --> 00:07:22.879 and in some other cultures today. 00:07:24.259 --> 00:07:26.779 It was looked upon very differently 00:07:26.779 --> 00:07:30.519 from what we look at here in American culture. 00:07:31.219 --> 00:07:32.339 The kiss in Proverbs 00:07:32.339 --> 00:07:35.839 should be thought of as an expression of friendship 00:07:35.839 --> 00:07:38.439 or even sometimes hospitality. 00:07:39.500 --> 00:07:45.560 It is not a kiss that implies romance 00:07:45.560 --> 00:07:48.939 or designed to be sexually stimulating 00:07:48.939 --> 00:07:49.920 or anything like that. 00:07:50.719 --> 00:07:52.379 The idea is that speaking the truth 00:07:52.379 --> 00:07:55.500 is a positive experience 00:07:55.500 --> 00:07:57.539 both to the one who speaks it 00:07:57.539 --> 00:08:00.399 and to the one who is on the receiving end. 00:08:00.819 --> 00:08:02.339 Now, let's stop and think. 00:08:02.899 --> 00:08:04.240 You think about yourself. 00:08:04.659 --> 00:08:06.040 Is speaking the truth 00:08:06.040 --> 00:08:08.019 like what we're talking about? 00:08:08.680 --> 00:08:11.339 Does that come naturally to you? 00:08:13.019 --> 00:08:15.740 Because that's what's naturally in your heart. 00:08:15.740 --> 00:08:18.980 Now, the red flag went up 00:08:18.980 --> 00:08:21.800 when I use the word natural for some people here. 00:08:23.759 --> 00:08:27.319 Because naturally, we're born sinners. 00:08:28.780 --> 00:08:30.639 We're born with a selfish heart. 00:08:30.639 --> 00:08:33.939 We're born with a heart that would cause us 00:08:33.939 --> 00:08:35.600 to say whatever we need to say 00:08:35.600 --> 00:08:36.600 to get our way, 00:08:36.799 --> 00:08:38.460 to make life simple for us. 00:08:39.799 --> 00:08:42.019 And so when I use the word naturally this morning 00:08:42.019 --> 00:08:42.600 to talk about, 00:08:43.159 --> 00:08:44.539 is your heart naturally 00:08:44.539 --> 00:08:47.100 such that you are inclined to speak the truth? 00:08:47.159 --> 00:08:48.639 I'm talking about someone who's a Christian 00:08:48.639 --> 00:08:53.059 in whom the Spirit of God lives. 00:08:53.059 --> 00:08:57.319 It's the Spirit of God working in us 00:08:57.319 --> 00:08:58.539 that gives us the desire 00:08:58.539 --> 00:09:00.419 to be truthful, 00:09:01.099 --> 00:09:02.559 to be real. 00:09:03.399 --> 00:09:06.199 Because that's just what we want to be, 00:09:06.279 --> 00:09:07.239 we desire to be. 00:09:08.419 --> 00:09:10.419 And so our words will naturally 00:09:10.419 --> 00:09:14.019 be this way as well. 00:09:14.019 --> 00:09:17.399 Is it your heart's desire 00:09:17.399 --> 00:09:19.139 to be honest? 00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:23.159 Is it your heart's desire 00:09:23.159 --> 00:09:25.179 that what you say, 00:09:25.299 --> 00:09:26.279 how you come across, 00:09:26.720 --> 00:09:27.720 you are genuine? 00:09:29.220 --> 00:09:31.439 I mean, you are truly sincere. 00:09:33.019 --> 00:09:35.240 Does it bring pleasure to you 00:09:35.240 --> 00:09:37.720 to be this way? 00:09:38.639 --> 00:09:40.159 In not just what you say, 00:09:40.299 --> 00:09:41.980 but in everything that you do. 00:09:44.019 --> 00:09:47.100 Does it feel wrong? 00:09:48.759 --> 00:09:50.199 Is there something within you 00:09:50.199 --> 00:09:51.039 that just causes you to think, 00:09:51.159 --> 00:09:51.720 this is not right, 00:09:51.759 --> 00:09:53.079 when you twist the truth? 00:09:55.860 --> 00:09:58.259 When you don't come all the way out with it? 00:09:58.980 --> 00:10:00.299 When you're trying to hide? 00:10:00.519 --> 00:10:01.840 When you're trying to deceive? 00:10:05.679 --> 00:10:07.299 You know, speaking truthfully 00:10:07.299 --> 00:10:09.299 is really one of the most 00:10:09.299 --> 00:10:11.980 healthy, freeing, 00:10:11.980 --> 00:10:14.980 life-enriching things 00:10:14.980 --> 00:10:15.700 that we can do. 00:10:17.460 --> 00:10:18.200 If you're someone 00:10:18.200 --> 00:10:20.000 who always speaks the truth, 00:10:20.560 --> 00:10:22.039 you don't have to worry 00:10:22.039 --> 00:10:22.740 when you're around 00:10:22.740 --> 00:10:24.279 a certain person 00:10:24.279 --> 00:10:25.240 and think to yourself, 00:10:25.440 --> 00:10:26.700 now what did I tell them? 00:10:28.200 --> 00:10:28.940 If you're someone 00:10:28.940 --> 00:10:30.300 who always speaks the truth, 00:10:30.639 --> 00:10:31.220 it doesn't matter 00:10:31.220 --> 00:10:32.659 if you're in this setting 00:10:32.659 --> 00:10:34.180 having to scratch your head. 00:10:34.399 --> 00:10:35.700 Now what was it I told them? 00:10:37.940 --> 00:10:38.580 See, that's a sign 00:10:38.580 --> 00:10:39.300 of somebody who is 00:10:39.300 --> 00:10:40.899 either just a point-blank liar, 00:10:40.899 --> 00:10:43.379 or they just want 00:10:43.379 --> 00:10:44.480 to be deceptive, 00:10:44.899 --> 00:10:47.159 or free with the truth. 00:10:49.319 --> 00:10:50.279 That's hard 00:10:50.279 --> 00:10:52.699 because you've got to remember 00:10:52.699 --> 00:10:53.840 what you said, 00:10:54.620 --> 00:10:55.840 where you said it, 00:10:56.860 --> 00:10:57.939 who you said it to, 00:10:58.620 --> 00:10:59.639 if you say things 00:10:59.639 --> 00:11:02.039 that are other than the truth. 00:11:02.539 --> 00:11:04.079 But when you speak the truth, 00:11:04.899 --> 00:11:07.039 when you live it, 00:11:07.819 --> 00:11:09.000 when that's who you are, 00:11:09.000 --> 00:11:11.279 you can just go 00:11:11.279 --> 00:11:12.840 and be who you are 00:11:12.840 --> 00:11:13.580 wherever, 00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:15.059 you can relax 00:11:15.059 --> 00:11:17.820 because you're hiding nothing. 00:11:19.440 --> 00:11:20.360 There's nothing 00:11:20.360 --> 00:11:22.240 for anyone to find out. 00:11:23.419 --> 00:11:25.000 That's why it's so freeing. 00:11:27.159 --> 00:11:29.000 Wise people speak truthfully. 00:11:30.440 --> 00:11:32.419 They think truthfully 00:11:32.419 --> 00:11:34.659 because that's what's in their heart 00:11:34.659 --> 00:11:35.960 by the grace of God 00:11:35.960 --> 00:11:36.779 through the work 00:11:36.779 --> 00:11:37.559 of the Holy Spirit. 00:11:38.379 --> 00:11:39.360 They're a person of truth 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:40.279 just like Jesus, 00:11:40.740 --> 00:11:41.799 embodied truth. 00:11:42.539 --> 00:11:43.620 As His followers, 00:11:43.879 --> 00:11:44.779 that's just who we are 00:11:44.779 --> 00:11:45.339 as Christians. 00:11:46.679 --> 00:11:47.500 But that's not all 00:11:47.500 --> 00:11:48.419 Proverbs says 00:11:48.419 --> 00:11:49.179 about this matter 00:11:49.179 --> 00:11:50.740 of speaking truth. 00:11:51.459 --> 00:11:53.199 Wise people also speak 00:11:53.199 --> 00:11:54.419 appropriately. 00:11:55.620 --> 00:11:56.919 You've heard the saying, 00:11:57.059 --> 00:11:58.259 timing is everything. 00:11:58.559 --> 00:11:59.559 Well, that applies 00:11:59.559 --> 00:12:01.399 to just about everything 00:12:01.399 --> 00:12:02.100 under the sun, 00:12:02.199 --> 00:12:03.779 including our speech. 00:12:03.779 --> 00:12:04.399 our speech. 00:12:05.399 --> 00:12:06.740 Look at how Proverbs 00:12:06.740 --> 00:12:07.919 makes this clear. 00:12:08.379 --> 00:12:09.240 Chapter 15. 00:12:10.360 --> 00:12:12.000 A person has joy 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:15.100 in giving an appropriate answer 00:12:15.100 --> 00:12:16.759 and a word 00:12:16.759 --> 00:12:17.779 at the right time 00:12:18.319 --> 00:12:19.679 how good it is. 00:12:20.179 --> 00:12:21.720 That's from the New English 00:12:21.720 --> 00:12:22.220 Translation, 00:12:22.360 --> 00:12:23.059 Internet Bible. 00:12:24.360 --> 00:12:25.259 Look at it. 00:12:25.620 --> 00:12:27.100 A person has joy 00:12:27.100 --> 00:12:28.779 in giving an appropriate answer 00:12:28.779 --> 00:12:31.819 and a word 00:12:31.819 --> 00:12:33.100 at the right time 00:12:33.100 --> 00:12:34.480 how good it is. 00:12:35.899 --> 00:12:36.980 Look at another one 00:12:36.980 --> 00:12:38.159 from chapter 25. 00:12:38.559 --> 00:12:40.600 A word fitly spoken 00:12:40.600 --> 00:12:42.839 is like apples of gold 00:12:42.839 --> 00:12:45.600 in a setting of silver. 00:12:45.839 --> 00:12:46.659 The word fitly 00:12:46.659 --> 00:12:47.659 can be translated 00:12:47.659 --> 00:12:48.720 skillfully 00:12:48.720 --> 00:12:51.039 or even timely. 00:12:51.039 --> 00:12:53.100 You know, 00:12:53.199 --> 00:12:54.039 speaking the truth 00:12:54.039 --> 00:12:55.039 cannot be overstated. 00:12:55.039 --> 00:12:55.599 overstated. 00:12:58.120 --> 00:12:59.919 But wisdom requires 00:12:59.919 --> 00:13:00.659 that we learn 00:13:00.659 --> 00:13:01.919 to speak the truth 00:13:01.919 --> 00:13:04.179 in the right way 00:13:04.179 --> 00:13:06.240 at the right time. 00:13:07.699 --> 00:13:08.339 I like the way 00:13:08.339 --> 00:13:09.699 Proverbs uses humor 00:13:09.699 --> 00:13:10.899 to stress this point. 00:13:11.579 --> 00:13:12.459 Chapter 27. 00:13:13.240 --> 00:13:14.459 If anyone loudly 00:13:14.459 --> 00:13:15.839 blesses their neighbor 00:13:15.839 --> 00:13:16.980 early in the morning, 00:13:17.079 --> 00:13:17.899 it will be taken 00:13:17.899 --> 00:13:18.819 as a curse. 00:13:20.539 --> 00:13:21.919 If you call me 00:13:21.919 --> 00:13:22.879 at 4 a.m. 00:13:22.879 --> 00:13:23.299 in the morning 00:13:23.299 --> 00:13:23.799 to tell me 00:13:23.799 --> 00:13:24.639 you'd really enjoy 00:13:24.639 --> 00:13:25.339 this message, 00:13:25.579 --> 00:13:26.579 I won't like it. 00:13:28.139 --> 00:13:29.199 It will not be 00:13:29.199 --> 00:13:30.419 you are blessing me. 00:13:31.740 --> 00:13:32.539 If you call me 00:13:32.539 --> 00:13:33.399 at 4 o'clock in the morning 00:13:33.399 --> 00:13:34.019 and even tell me 00:13:34.019 --> 00:13:34.599 how wonderful 00:13:34.599 --> 00:13:35.659 my wife is 00:13:35.659 --> 00:13:38.179 or grandchildren are, 00:13:39.399 --> 00:13:41.120 I won't like it. 00:13:42.479 --> 00:13:43.339 If you call me 00:13:43.339 --> 00:13:43.959 at 4 o'clock 00:13:43.959 --> 00:13:44.500 in the morning, 00:13:44.500 --> 00:13:46.139 somebody should have died. 00:13:48.199 --> 00:13:49.240 Isn't that true? 00:13:51.699 --> 00:13:53.159 Or something similar. 00:13:53.799 --> 00:13:55.899 That's what 00:13:55.899 --> 00:13:57.919 is intended to be funny. 00:13:59.199 --> 00:14:00.639 What he's saying here. 00:14:02.259 --> 00:14:04.019 As we grow in wisdom, 00:14:05.019 --> 00:14:06.799 we not only learn 00:14:06.799 --> 00:14:07.439 the value 00:14:07.439 --> 00:14:09.019 of speaking the truth, 00:14:09.079 --> 00:14:09.500 but we learn 00:14:09.500 --> 00:14:10.039 the value 00:14:10.039 --> 00:14:12.059 of being appropriate 00:14:12.059 --> 00:14:12.719 with it. 00:14:13.579 --> 00:14:15.439 Saying the right words 00:14:15.439 --> 00:14:16.799 at the right time 00:14:16.799 --> 00:14:19.779 and in the right way. 00:14:19.779 --> 00:14:22.720 that's important. 00:14:23.240 --> 00:14:24.120 That's what wise 00:14:24.120 --> 00:14:24.980 people do. 00:14:25.759 --> 00:14:26.139 And let's go 00:14:26.139 --> 00:14:26.879 a step further. 00:14:27.639 --> 00:14:28.240 Wise people 00:14:28.240 --> 00:14:30.179 speak calmly. 00:14:31.299 --> 00:14:31.959 We'll look at 00:14:31.959 --> 00:14:32.500 other words 00:14:32.500 --> 00:14:32.980 for this, 00:14:33.039 --> 00:14:33.559 but let's talk 00:14:33.559 --> 00:14:33.799 now. 00:14:34.079 --> 00:14:34.600 Wise people 00:14:34.600 --> 00:14:35.819 speak calmly. 00:14:36.240 --> 00:14:36.740 Here's what I'm 00:14:36.740 --> 00:14:37.199 talking about. 00:14:37.279 --> 00:14:38.240 Proverbs 15. 00:14:38.620 --> 00:14:40.179 A soft answer 00:14:40.179 --> 00:14:41.699 turns away wrath, 00:14:42.120 --> 00:14:43.980 but a harsh word 00:14:43.980 --> 00:14:45.279 stirs up anger. 00:14:45.899 --> 00:14:46.819 Most translations 00:14:46.820 --> 00:14:48.379 say a gentle answer. 00:14:49.580 --> 00:14:50.160 A gentle, 00:14:50.620 --> 00:14:51.500 a soft, 00:14:52.500 --> 00:14:54.400 a calm answer 00:14:54.400 --> 00:14:57.280 turns away wrath. 00:14:58.740 --> 00:14:59.400 Think about it. 00:15:00.700 --> 00:15:01.660 It's describing 00:15:01.660 --> 00:15:05.060 a stressful situation. 00:15:05.059 --> 00:15:08.179 Maybe you're in a group. 00:15:09.019 --> 00:15:09.719 Maybe you're just 00:15:09.719 --> 00:15:10.459 with an individual. 00:15:12.379 --> 00:15:13.539 And you can tell 00:15:13.539 --> 00:15:14.239 some tempers 00:15:14.239 --> 00:15:14.599 are beginning 00:15:14.599 --> 00:15:15.719 to flare. 00:15:16.919 --> 00:15:17.799 People are getting 00:15:17.799 --> 00:15:18.979 on edge. 00:15:20.939 --> 00:15:22.079 You could cut 00:15:22.079 --> 00:15:22.759 the tension 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:23.479 with a knife. 00:15:24.919 --> 00:15:25.639 And what Proverbs 00:15:25.639 --> 00:15:26.419 is trying to tell us 00:15:26.419 --> 00:15:28.939 is a wise person 00:15:28.939 --> 00:15:31.059 in such a situation, 00:15:32.019 --> 00:15:33.000 they're not just 00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:34.479 going to blurt 00:15:34.480 --> 00:15:35.560 out the truth. 00:15:37.320 --> 00:15:38.019 They're going to 00:15:38.019 --> 00:15:38.680 try to speak 00:15:38.680 --> 00:15:39.139 the truth 00:15:39.139 --> 00:15:40.200 in an appropriate 00:15:40.200 --> 00:15:40.740 way, 00:15:41.080 --> 00:15:42.279 and in this case, 00:15:43.220 --> 00:15:44.460 it'll be a calm 00:15:44.460 --> 00:15:45.300 word, 00:15:45.840 --> 00:15:46.700 a gentle 00:15:46.700 --> 00:15:47.920 word, 00:15:49.440 --> 00:15:50.200 a soft 00:15:50.200 --> 00:15:50.980 answer. 00:15:51.680 --> 00:15:52.680 Because speaking 00:15:52.680 --> 00:15:53.560 like that 00:15:53.560 --> 00:15:55.039 has a way 00:15:55.039 --> 00:15:55.920 of diffusing 00:15:55.920 --> 00:15:56.620 the situation, 00:15:57.840 --> 00:15:58.680 has a way 00:15:58.680 --> 00:16:00.200 of not 00:16:00.200 --> 00:16:01.259 escalating things, 00:16:01.340 --> 00:16:02.139 but calming 00:16:02.139 --> 00:16:03.379 things down. 00:16:03.379 --> 00:16:05.399 Now, 00:16:06.320 --> 00:16:07.259 such calm, 00:16:07.379 --> 00:16:08.240 wise words 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:09.120 are not 00:16:09.120 --> 00:16:10.159 weak words. 00:16:11.740 --> 00:16:12.580 We're not 00:16:12.580 --> 00:16:13.340 talking about 00:16:13.340 --> 00:16:15.139 being afraid 00:16:15.139 --> 00:16:17.059 to engage 00:16:17.059 --> 00:16:17.700 in conflict 00:16:17.700 --> 00:16:18.299 when conflict 00:16:18.299 --> 00:16:19.340 has to be. 00:16:21.340 --> 00:16:22.159 We're not 00:16:22.159 --> 00:16:22.860 talking about 00:16:22.860 --> 00:16:23.419 you just, 00:16:23.720 --> 00:16:24.580 you don't like 00:16:24.580 --> 00:16:25.179 conflict, 00:16:25.700 --> 00:16:26.299 and so you just 00:16:26.299 --> 00:16:26.879 do whatever's 00:16:26.879 --> 00:16:27.460 necessary, 00:16:28.840 --> 00:16:30.700 even evading 00:16:30.700 --> 00:16:32.120 what's right 00:16:32.120 --> 00:16:32.420 and what's 00:16:32.420 --> 00:16:32.800 truthful. 00:16:33.020 --> 00:16:33.259 We're not 00:16:33.259 --> 00:16:33.700 talking about 00:16:33.700 --> 00:16:33.879 that. 00:16:36.160 --> 00:16:36.820 Calm, 00:16:39.060 --> 00:16:39.520 gentle 00:16:39.520 --> 00:16:40.940 words 00:16:40.940 --> 00:16:44.080 are powerful 00:16:44.080 --> 00:16:44.680 words. 00:16:45.680 --> 00:16:46.360 Look at 00:16:46.360 --> 00:16:47.460 Proverbs 25. 00:16:47.460 --> 00:16:49.740 with patience, 00:16:50.600 --> 00:16:51.360 a ruler 00:16:51.360 --> 00:16:52.639 may be 00:16:52.639 --> 00:16:53.160 persuaded, 00:16:53.800 --> 00:16:54.320 and a 00:16:54.320 --> 00:16:55.100 soft 00:16:55.100 --> 00:16:56.000 tongue 00:16:56.000 --> 00:16:57.300 will break 00:16:57.300 --> 00:16:57.720 a bone. 00:16:57.980 --> 00:16:58.280 Speaking 00:16:58.280 --> 00:16:58.920 figuratively 00:16:58.920 --> 00:16:59.340 here, 00:16:59.860 --> 00:17:00.320 a soft 00:17:00.320 --> 00:17:00.700 word 00:17:00.700 --> 00:17:01.740 is a 00:17:01.740 --> 00:17:02.360 powerful 00:17:02.360 --> 00:17:03.560 word. 00:17:04.460 --> 00:17:05.140 It's 00:17:05.140 --> 00:17:06.120 persuasive. 00:17:07.600 --> 00:17:07.840 This 00:17:07.840 --> 00:17:08.500 calm, 00:17:10.539 --> 00:17:11.039 gentle, 00:17:11.400 --> 00:17:12.039 appropriate 00:17:12.039 --> 00:17:13.100 word of 00:17:13.100 --> 00:17:14.039 truth can 00:17:14.039 --> 00:17:14.640 persuade 00:17:14.640 --> 00:17:15.200 someone 00:17:15.200 --> 00:17:15.640 who's 00:17:15.640 --> 00:17:15.840 in 00:17:15.840 --> 00:17:16.520 power 00:17:16.520 --> 00:17:17.080 above 00:17:17.080 --> 00:17:17.440 you. 00:17:19.759 --> 00:17:20.800 It is 00:17:20.800 --> 00:17:21.480 helpful. 00:17:21.700 --> 00:17:22.000 It is 00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:22.480 useful. 00:17:24.160 --> 00:17:24.360 You know, 00:17:24.400 --> 00:17:24.780 another way 00:17:24.780 --> 00:17:25.240 to describe 00:17:25.240 --> 00:17:25.480 what we're 00:17:25.480 --> 00:17:25.900 talking about 00:17:25.900 --> 00:17:26.280 here is 00:17:26.280 --> 00:17:26.540 we need 00:17:26.540 --> 00:17:26.920 to learn 00:17:26.920 --> 00:17:28.220 to act 00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:29.960 rather than 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:30.520 react. 00:17:33.580 --> 00:17:34.160 That's a 00:17:34.160 --> 00:17:34.680 hard lesson 00:17:34.680 --> 00:17:35.000 to do, 00:17:35.060 --> 00:17:35.440 isn't it? 00:17:36.440 --> 00:17:37.040 In some 00:17:37.040 --> 00:17:37.800 situations, 00:17:39.280 --> 00:17:39.540 you know, 00:17:39.920 --> 00:17:40.400 tempers are 00:17:40.400 --> 00:17:40.960 already 00:17:40.960 --> 00:17:42.780 boiling. 00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:44.359 you know 00:17:44.359 --> 00:17:44.579 what you 00:17:44.579 --> 00:17:44.799 want to 00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:45.139 say, 00:17:45.700 --> 00:17:46.019 you know 00:17:46.019 --> 00:17:46.220 what you 00:17:46.220 --> 00:17:46.440 want to 00:17:46.440 --> 00:17:46.819 do, 00:17:46.819 --> 00:17:49.279 and so 00:17:49.279 --> 00:17:49.759 you just 00:17:49.759 --> 00:17:51.240 react to 00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:51.899 the situation 00:17:51.899 --> 00:17:53.700 rather than 00:17:53.700 --> 00:17:54.099 taking the 00:17:54.099 --> 00:17:54.660 time to be 00:17:54.660 --> 00:17:55.019 calm, 00:17:55.119 --> 00:17:55.599 to think, 00:17:55.819 --> 00:17:56.299 and to 00:17:56.299 --> 00:17:57.039 act. 00:17:57.660 --> 00:17:58.079 You've 00:17:58.079 --> 00:17:58.420 heard it 00:17:58.420 --> 00:17:58.899 said, 00:17:59.359 --> 00:17:59.779 if something 00:17:59.779 --> 00:18:00.319 happens, 00:18:00.980 --> 00:18:01.339 piece of 00:18:01.339 --> 00:18:01.819 advice, 00:18:02.299 --> 00:18:02.940 you're angry, 00:18:03.119 --> 00:18:03.839 you're upset, 00:18:03.980 --> 00:18:04.379 you're sort 00:18:04.379 --> 00:18:04.819 of stressed 00:18:04.819 --> 00:18:05.259 out, 00:18:05.579 --> 00:18:05.899 instead of 00:18:05.899 --> 00:18:06.339 just saying 00:18:06.339 --> 00:18:06.680 what you 00:18:06.680 --> 00:18:07.059 think, 00:18:08.240 --> 00:18:08.879 pause, 00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:10.240 count to 00:18:10.240 --> 00:18:10.940 ten before 00:18:10.940 --> 00:18:11.660 you respond. 00:18:12.779 --> 00:18:13.460 Sometimes you 00:18:13.460 --> 00:18:13.639 need to 00:18:13.639 --> 00:18:13.940 count to 00:18:13.940 --> 00:18:14.180 a hundred 00:18:14.180 --> 00:18:14.559 and ten, 00:18:15.200 --> 00:18:17.059 because the 00:18:17.059 --> 00:18:17.339 way we're 00:18:17.339 --> 00:18:17.559 going to 00:18:17.559 --> 00:18:18.180 respond is 00:18:18.180 --> 00:18:18.639 not going 00:18:18.639 --> 00:18:18.980 to be 00:18:18.980 --> 00:18:19.839 good. 00:18:21.099 --> 00:18:21.660 Sometimes we 00:18:21.660 --> 00:18:21.879 need to 00:18:21.879 --> 00:18:22.160 learn to 00:18:22.160 --> 00:18:22.720 just do 00:18:22.720 --> 00:18:23.039 whatever it 00:18:23.039 --> 00:18:23.359 takes to 00:18:23.359 --> 00:18:23.599 get our 00:18:23.599 --> 00:18:24.460 emotions under 00:18:24.460 --> 00:18:25.399 control so 00:18:25.399 --> 00:18:25.960 we can speak 00:18:25.960 --> 00:18:26.899 calmly, 00:18:27.500 --> 00:18:28.660 instead of 00:18:28.660 --> 00:18:29.940 harshly, 00:18:30.299 --> 00:18:31.079 so that we 00:18:31.079 --> 00:18:31.799 can help the 00:18:31.799 --> 00:18:32.359 situation, 00:18:32.819 --> 00:18:34.279 not hurt the 00:18:34.279 --> 00:18:34.799 situation. 00:18:36.740 --> 00:18:36.960 You know, 00:18:37.259 --> 00:18:37.660 calm, 00:18:37.839 --> 00:18:38.139 soft, 00:18:38.220 --> 00:18:38.599 or gentle 00:18:38.599 --> 00:18:40.440 words will 00:18:40.440 --> 00:18:40.980 help all of 00:18:40.980 --> 00:18:41.680 our relationships. 00:18:42.779 --> 00:18:43.420 Everywhere. 00:18:44.619 --> 00:18:45.139 But they 00:18:45.139 --> 00:18:45.539 will help 00:18:45.539 --> 00:18:46.440 especially at 00:18:46.440 --> 00:18:46.899 home. 00:18:49.519 --> 00:18:50.539 Why is it 00:18:50.539 --> 00:18:51.980 that we 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:52.359 come to 00:18:52.359 --> 00:18:52.859 church? 00:18:53.859 --> 00:18:54.579 As a 00:18:54.579 --> 00:18:55.359 general rule, 00:18:56.359 --> 00:18:56.879 we are going 00:18:56.879 --> 00:18:57.240 to be, 00:18:58.000 --> 00:18:58.680 we are going 00:18:58.680 --> 00:18:59.139 to use more 00:18:59.139 --> 00:18:59.859 calm and 00:18:59.859 --> 00:19:00.319 gentle and 00:19:00.319 --> 00:19:02.160 soft language 00:19:02.160 --> 00:19:03.819 at church. 00:19:05.399 --> 00:19:06.319 You might 00:19:06.319 --> 00:19:06.960 at work, 00:19:07.859 --> 00:19:08.039 you know, 00:19:08.099 --> 00:19:09.299 you don't say 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:09.799 everything you 00:19:09.799 --> 00:19:10.200 think, 00:19:10.200 --> 00:19:11.860 you just, 00:19:11.980 --> 00:19:12.380 you try to 00:19:12.380 --> 00:19:13.120 be calm and 00:19:13.120 --> 00:19:13.720 in control. 00:19:15.100 --> 00:19:15.720 You may be 00:19:15.720 --> 00:19:16.120 that way at 00:19:16.120 --> 00:19:16.440 school, 00:19:17.720 --> 00:19:18.779 but at 00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:19.299 home, 00:19:20.720 --> 00:19:21.779 we let 00:19:21.779 --> 00:19:22.600 down all 00:19:22.600 --> 00:19:23.080 guards. 00:19:25.019 --> 00:19:25.720 They know 00:19:25.720 --> 00:19:26.080 me, 00:19:26.360 --> 00:19:26.819 I know 00:19:26.819 --> 00:19:27.080 them. 00:19:28.240 --> 00:19:28.960 We know 00:19:28.960 --> 00:19:29.460 each other at 00:19:29.460 --> 00:19:30.100 our worst, 00:19:31.100 --> 00:19:32.120 so we don't 00:19:32.120 --> 00:19:32.960 even think. 00:19:33.779 --> 00:19:35.360 We react 00:19:35.360 --> 00:19:35.940 instead of 00:19:35.940 --> 00:19:36.180 act. 00:19:36.180 --> 00:19:38.400 we say 00:19:38.400 --> 00:19:38.759 what we 00:19:38.759 --> 00:19:39.140 think, 00:19:39.640 --> 00:19:40.380 the way 00:19:40.380 --> 00:19:40.680 that we 00:19:40.680 --> 00:19:41.220 think it, 00:19:42.019 --> 00:19:44.019 and it 00:19:44.019 --> 00:19:44.400 causes 00:19:44.400 --> 00:19:45.640 stress, 00:19:46.400 --> 00:19:46.860 it causes 00:19:46.860 --> 00:19:47.680 conflict, 00:19:48.360 --> 00:19:48.759 it causes 00:19:48.759 --> 00:19:49.980 hurt feelings. 00:19:53.580 --> 00:19:54.940 Your spouse, 00:19:57.019 --> 00:19:58.539 your parent, 00:19:59.539 --> 00:20:00.320 or parents, 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:02.159 your children 00:20:02.159 --> 00:20:04.359 would greatly 00:20:04.359 --> 00:20:05.059 benefit 00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:08.079 from calmer 00:20:08.079 --> 00:20:08.939 words, 00:20:09.799 --> 00:20:11.980 more 00:20:11.980 --> 00:20:12.799 gentle 00:20:12.799 --> 00:20:14.700 words, 00:20:15.919 --> 00:20:16.539 less 00:20:16.539 --> 00:20:17.839 reactive 00:20:17.839 --> 00:20:19.579 words. 00:20:21.659 --> 00:20:22.779 That's one 00:20:22.779 --> 00:20:23.539 thing that I 00:20:23.539 --> 00:20:24.240 wish I had 00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:25.099 worked on a 00:20:25.099 --> 00:20:25.740 whole lot 00:20:25.740 --> 00:20:26.200 harder 00:20:26.200 --> 00:20:28.139 when I was 00:20:28.139 --> 00:20:28.500 younger. 00:20:28.500 --> 00:20:28.640 younger. 00:20:30.700 --> 00:20:30.900 See, 00:20:30.940 --> 00:20:31.339 when I was 00:20:31.339 --> 00:20:31.640 younger, 00:20:31.740 --> 00:20:32.140 I thought 00:20:32.140 --> 00:20:32.559 too much 00:20:32.559 --> 00:20:33.039 in terms 00:20:33.039 --> 00:20:33.500 of just 00:20:33.500 --> 00:20:34.720 doing the 00:20:34.720 --> 00:20:35.960 right thing. 00:20:38.880 --> 00:20:39.400 Always, 00:20:39.599 --> 00:20:39.900 you just 00:20:39.900 --> 00:20:40.279 got to 00:20:40.279 --> 00:20:41.000 speak the 00:20:41.000 --> 00:20:41.400 truth, 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:41.940 do the 00:20:41.940 --> 00:20:42.299 truth, 00:20:42.420 --> 00:20:42.920 do what's 00:20:42.920 --> 00:20:43.339 right, 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:44.839 and when I 00:20:44.839 --> 00:20:45.420 was younger, 00:20:46.859 --> 00:20:48.839 every hill 00:20:48.839 --> 00:20:50.180 was worth 00:20:50.180 --> 00:20:50.920 shedding blood 00:20:50.920 --> 00:20:51.240 on, 00:20:52.240 --> 00:20:53.019 if there 00:20:53.019 --> 00:20:54.200 was something 00:20:54.200 --> 00:20:55.099 right or 00:20:55.099 --> 00:20:55.920 so forth 00:20:55.920 --> 00:20:56.359 about it. 00:20:56.359 --> 00:20:59.099 it's 00:20:59.099 --> 00:20:59.740 amazing 00:20:59.740 --> 00:21:01.539 how as 00:21:01.539 --> 00:21:01.979 you get 00:21:01.979 --> 00:21:02.699 older, 00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:06.099 you think 00:21:06.099 --> 00:21:06.659 about such 00:21:06.659 --> 00:21:07.139 things, 00:21:07.639 --> 00:21:07.919 you think 00:21:07.919 --> 00:21:08.279 about some 00:21:08.279 --> 00:21:08.500 of the 00:21:08.500 --> 00:21:09.279 damage you've 00:21:09.279 --> 00:21:09.659 done, 00:21:10.659 --> 00:21:11.539 you see it 00:21:11.539 --> 00:21:11.859 in other 00:21:11.859 --> 00:21:12.359 people, 00:21:13.359 --> 00:21:14.399 and you 00:21:14.399 --> 00:21:14.959 come to a 00:21:14.959 --> 00:21:15.459 conclusion, 00:21:15.679 --> 00:21:16.299 or you start 00:21:16.299 --> 00:21:16.899 thinking about 00:21:16.899 --> 00:21:17.039 it, 00:21:18.159 --> 00:21:19.299 this is not 00:21:19.299 --> 00:21:19.759 only not 00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:20.240 wise, 00:21:20.319 --> 00:21:20.639 this is 00:21:20.639 --> 00:21:21.019 foolish, 00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:21.200 foolish, 00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:24.019 this not 00:21:24.019 --> 00:21:24.440 only does 00:21:24.440 --> 00:21:25.319 not please 00:21:25.319 --> 00:21:25.960 and help 00:21:25.960 --> 00:21:26.859 the situation 00:21:26.859 --> 00:21:27.359 with my 00:21:27.359 --> 00:21:27.839 family, 00:21:28.839 --> 00:21:29.579 this doesn't 00:21:29.579 --> 00:21:30.559 please God 00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:32.660 at all. 00:21:35.960 --> 00:21:36.660 You know, 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:38.980 it's good 00:21:38.980 --> 00:21:39.480 for us to 00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:40.039 speak the 00:21:40.039 --> 00:21:40.440 truth, 00:21:41.440 --> 00:21:44.740 but it's 00:21:44.740 --> 00:21:45.400 not enough. 00:21:47.440 --> 00:21:47.859 We need to 00:21:47.859 --> 00:21:48.559 learn to do 00:21:48.559 --> 00:21:49.559 what else 00:21:49.559 --> 00:21:50.200 Paul said 00:21:50.200 --> 00:21:50.460 in that 00:21:50.460 --> 00:21:50.980 Ephesians 00:21:50.980 --> 00:21:51.460 passage, 00:21:51.700 --> 00:21:51.960 we need to 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:52.240 learn to 00:21:52.240 --> 00:21:52.659 speak the 00:21:52.659 --> 00:21:53.919 truth in 00:21:53.919 --> 00:21:54.480 love. 00:21:57.899 --> 00:21:58.419 You know, 00:21:58.460 --> 00:21:58.879 if I think 00:21:58.879 --> 00:21:59.500 about myself, 00:21:59.659 --> 00:22:00.079 I've never 00:22:00.079 --> 00:22:00.700 had a problem 00:22:00.700 --> 00:22:01.480 stating the 00:22:01.480 --> 00:22:02.139 facts as 00:22:02.139 --> 00:22:02.559 they really 00:22:02.559 --> 00:22:02.879 are. 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:04.779 In fact, 00:22:04.819 --> 00:22:05.099 I've took 00:22:05.099 --> 00:22:05.579 pride in 00:22:05.579 --> 00:22:05.940 being a 00:22:05.940 --> 00:22:06.319 straight 00:22:06.319 --> 00:22:06.839 shooter, 00:22:07.839 --> 00:22:08.240 but again, 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:08.579 the older 00:22:08.579 --> 00:22:09.159 I get, 00:22:11.659 --> 00:22:13.460 I realize 00:22:13.460 --> 00:22:14.799 it's not 00:22:14.799 --> 00:22:15.220 necessarily 00:22:15.220 --> 00:22:15.720 good just 00:22:15.720 --> 00:22:16.019 to be a 00:22:16.019 --> 00:22:16.259 straight 00:22:16.259 --> 00:22:16.639 shooter, 00:22:17.859 --> 00:22:18.500 just to 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:18.919 state the 00:22:18.920 --> 00:22:19.279 facts as 00:22:19.279 --> 00:22:19.580 they really 00:22:19.580 --> 00:22:19.960 are. 00:22:21.240 --> 00:22:22.019 The truth 00:22:22.019 --> 00:22:22.440 needs to 00:22:22.440 --> 00:22:23.080 be spoken 00:22:23.080 --> 00:22:24.019 appropriately, 00:22:24.820 --> 00:22:25.759 in the 00:22:25.759 --> 00:22:26.500 right way, 00:22:26.820 --> 00:22:27.140 at the 00:22:27.140 --> 00:22:28.039 right time, 00:22:28.720 --> 00:22:29.420 and that 00:22:29.420 --> 00:22:29.980 will include 00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:30.640 speaking the 00:22:30.640 --> 00:22:32.039 truth calmly, 00:22:33.740 --> 00:22:34.279 gently, 00:22:35.060 --> 00:22:37.220 with more 00:22:37.220 --> 00:22:37.840 control, 00:22:38.980 --> 00:22:40.019 and more 00:22:40.019 --> 00:22:40.660 love, 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:42.100 and more 00:22:42.100 --> 00:22:42.620 concern for 00:22:42.620 --> 00:22:42.880 the other 00:22:42.880 --> 00:22:43.340 person. 00:22:43.339 --> 00:22:47.179 I know 00:22:47.179 --> 00:22:47.720 better than 00:22:47.720 --> 00:22:48.720 I act 00:22:48.720 --> 00:22:49.799 even today. 00:22:51.179 --> 00:22:51.859 I talked 00:22:51.859 --> 00:22:52.119 about, I 00:22:52.119 --> 00:22:52.379 wish I 00:22:52.379 --> 00:22:52.619 had learned 00:22:52.619 --> 00:22:53.099 those lessons 00:22:53.099 --> 00:22:53.519 earlier, and 00:22:53.519 --> 00:22:54.019 I sure do. 00:22:54.659 --> 00:22:55.259 I still 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:55.839 haven't mastered 00:22:55.839 --> 00:22:56.119 them. 00:22:58.059 --> 00:22:58.779 I'm still 00:22:58.779 --> 00:22:59.459 working on 00:22:59.459 --> 00:23:02.359 it, but I 00:23:02.359 --> 00:23:03.119 am aware. 00:23:04.539 --> 00:23:05.439 I am more 00:23:05.439 --> 00:23:05.899 conscious. 00:23:07.099 --> 00:23:07.939 I am asking 00:23:07.940 --> 00:23:08.460 God to 00:23:08.460 --> 00:23:09.100 help me 00:23:09.100 --> 00:23:12.220 to think, 00:23:13.220 --> 00:23:15.080 to speak 00:23:15.080 --> 00:23:15.779 more calmly, 00:23:16.700 --> 00:23:17.100 to speak 00:23:17.100 --> 00:23:18.059 more under 00:23:18.059 --> 00:23:18.620 control. 00:23:18.799 --> 00:23:18.980 And let's 00:23:18.980 --> 00:23:19.420 go ahead and 00:23:19.420 --> 00:23:19.700 look at the 00:23:19.700 --> 00:23:20.080 next one, 00:23:20.539 --> 00:23:20.779 and to 00:23:20.779 --> 00:23:21.600 speak less. 00:23:22.940 --> 00:23:23.840 Wise people 00:23:23.840 --> 00:23:26.039 speak less. 00:23:28.440 --> 00:23:29.039 You know, 00:23:29.120 --> 00:23:29.539 if you just 00:23:29.539 --> 00:23:29.880 read through 00:23:29.880 --> 00:23:30.220 the book of 00:23:30.220 --> 00:23:30.799 Proverbs, 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:31.820 that's a 00:23:31.820 --> 00:23:33.100 great devotional 00:23:33.100 --> 00:23:33.440 study. 00:23:33.539 --> 00:23:34.200 There's 31 00:23:34.200 --> 00:23:35.720 chapters. 00:23:36.140 --> 00:23:36.360 Read a 00:23:36.359 --> 00:23:36.819 chapter a 00:23:36.819 --> 00:23:37.059 day. 00:23:37.819 --> 00:23:38.359 Read it 00:23:38.359 --> 00:23:38.839 every month. 00:23:40.219 --> 00:23:40.919 You'll find 00:23:40.919 --> 00:23:42.119 there's a lot 00:23:42.119 --> 00:23:42.859 in Proverbs 00:23:42.859 --> 00:23:43.719 about just 00:23:43.719 --> 00:23:44.879 keeping your 00:23:44.879 --> 00:23:45.500 mouth closed. 00:23:46.639 --> 00:23:47.299 Look, here's 00:23:47.299 --> 00:23:47.779 some examples. 00:23:47.899 --> 00:23:48.659 Chapter 13. 00:23:49.339 --> 00:23:50.179 Whoever guards 00:23:50.179 --> 00:23:50.839 his mouth 00:23:50.839 --> 00:23:51.799 preserves his 00:23:51.799 --> 00:23:52.219 life. 00:23:53.179 --> 00:23:53.799 He who 00:23:53.799 --> 00:23:54.919 opens wide 00:23:54.919 --> 00:23:55.859 his lips 00:23:55.859 --> 00:23:57.019 comes to 00:23:57.019 --> 00:23:57.339 ruin. 00:23:57.879 --> 00:23:58.319 That's just 00:23:58.319 --> 00:23:58.879 real clear, 00:23:58.979 --> 00:23:59.359 isn't it? 00:24:00.139 --> 00:24:00.879 Whoever guards 00:24:00.879 --> 00:24:01.759 his mouth 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:03.079 preserves his 00:24:03.079 --> 00:24:03.399 life. 00:24:03.679 --> 00:24:04.359 Whoever opens 00:24:04.359 --> 00:24:05.359 wide his lips 00:24:05.359 --> 00:24:05.859 comes to 00:24:05.859 --> 00:24:06.059 ruin. 00:24:06.359 --> 00:24:06.740 Look at 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:07.219 another one, 00:24:07.279 --> 00:24:08.039 Proverbs 11. 00:24:08.679 --> 00:24:09.279 The one who 00:24:09.279 --> 00:24:10.379 has understanding 00:24:10.379 --> 00:24:11.379 holds their 00:24:11.379 --> 00:24:11.799 tongue. 00:24:12.679 --> 00:24:12.839 You know, 00:24:12.919 --> 00:24:13.199 the word 00:24:13.199 --> 00:24:13.859 understanding 00:24:13.859 --> 00:24:15.279 is used 00:24:15.279 --> 00:24:16.359 not exactly 00:24:16.359 --> 00:24:17.479 but almost 00:24:17.479 --> 00:24:18.399 interchangeably 00:24:18.399 --> 00:24:19.240 with wisdom 00:24:19.240 --> 00:24:19.559 a lot of 00:24:19.559 --> 00:24:19.919 times in 00:24:19.919 --> 00:24:20.359 Proverbs. 00:24:20.919 --> 00:24:21.339 The one who 00:24:21.339 --> 00:24:22.519 has wisdom 00:24:22.519 --> 00:24:23.619 holds their 00:24:23.619 --> 00:24:23.899 tongue. 00:24:24.399 --> 00:24:24.839 One more, 00:24:25.119 --> 00:24:25.979 Proverbs 9, 00:24:26.159 --> 00:24:27.119 chapter 10 00:24:27.119 --> 00:24:27.500 from the New 00:24:27.500 --> 00:24:28.119 American Standard. 00:24:28.119 --> 00:24:30.019 When there are 00:24:30.019 --> 00:24:31.059 many words, 00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:32.559 transgression 00:24:32.559 --> 00:24:34.399 is unavoidable, 00:24:34.400 --> 00:24:36.040 but he who 00:24:36.040 --> 00:24:37.400 restrains his 00:24:37.400 --> 00:24:38.019 lips 00:24:38.019 --> 00:24:39.840 is wise. 00:24:41.720 --> 00:24:42.519 Can you 00:24:42.519 --> 00:24:43.060 argue with 00:24:43.060 --> 00:24:43.340 that? 00:24:45.340 --> 00:24:46.240 Everybody in 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:46.860 this room 00:24:46.860 --> 00:24:50.140 doesn't just 00:24:50.140 --> 00:24:52.980 talk and 00:24:52.980 --> 00:24:53.920 have problems 00:24:53.920 --> 00:24:55.560 all the time. 00:24:55.559 --> 00:24:59.519 some of us 00:24:59.519 --> 00:25:00.079 have a problem 00:25:00.079 --> 00:25:00.539 more than 00:25:00.539 --> 00:25:01.000 others. 00:25:02.720 --> 00:25:03.839 But all of 00:25:03.839 --> 00:25:04.799 us really do 00:25:04.799 --> 00:25:07.019 need to 00:25:07.019 --> 00:25:07.639 think before 00:25:07.639 --> 00:25:08.259 we speak 00:25:08.259 --> 00:25:10.859 and realize 00:25:10.859 --> 00:25:12.480 that the 00:25:12.480 --> 00:25:12.899 world would 00:25:12.899 --> 00:25:13.480 not be better 00:25:13.480 --> 00:25:14.019 off. 00:25:14.480 --> 00:25:14.980 The world 00:25:14.980 --> 00:25:15.460 would not be 00:25:15.460 --> 00:25:16.339 missing something 00:25:16.339 --> 00:25:17.879 if we didn't 00:25:17.879 --> 00:25:18.399 say everything 00:25:18.399 --> 00:25:18.759 that we 00:25:18.759 --> 00:25:19.019 thought. 00:25:19.019 --> 00:25:20.440 we didn't 00:25:20.440 --> 00:25:21.259 contribute to 00:25:21.259 --> 00:25:23.119 every discussion. 00:25:25.160 --> 00:25:25.879 We know 00:25:25.879 --> 00:25:26.440 this is true. 00:25:26.539 --> 00:25:26.920 Just think 00:25:26.920 --> 00:25:27.259 with me. 00:25:27.599 --> 00:25:27.940 How many 00:25:27.940 --> 00:25:28.579 times have 00:25:28.579 --> 00:25:29.000 you held 00:25:29.000 --> 00:25:29.639 your tongue 00:25:29.639 --> 00:25:30.879 but later 00:25:30.879 --> 00:25:32.379 on you 00:25:32.379 --> 00:25:34.039 wished you 00:25:34.039 --> 00:25:34.680 said something? 00:25:35.680 --> 00:25:36.339 There are 00:25:36.339 --> 00:25:37.059 some times. 00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:38.240 There's a few 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:39.740 times where 00:25:39.740 --> 00:25:40.220 you look back 00:25:40.220 --> 00:25:40.639 and you think, 00:25:40.859 --> 00:25:41.359 I wish I 00:25:41.359 --> 00:25:41.480 would have 00:25:41.480 --> 00:25:42.019 spoken up. 00:25:43.660 --> 00:25:44.379 That's true. 00:25:45.379 --> 00:25:46.019 But how 00:25:46.019 --> 00:25:46.920 many times 00:25:46.920 --> 00:25:48.139 have you 00:25:48.140 --> 00:25:49.120 said something 00:25:49.120 --> 00:25:51.000 and then 00:25:51.000 --> 00:25:51.520 later on 00:25:51.520 --> 00:25:53.140 you thought 00:25:53.140 --> 00:25:53.660 to yourself, 00:25:53.900 --> 00:25:54.420 I'd give 00:25:54.420 --> 00:25:55.160 anything if 00:25:55.160 --> 00:25:55.700 I had not 00:25:55.700 --> 00:25:57.020 said a word. 00:25:57.820 --> 00:25:58.200 If I had not 00:25:58.200 --> 00:25:58.620 opened my 00:25:58.620 --> 00:25:58.880 mouth. 00:26:00.520 --> 00:26:01.280 If I could 00:26:01.280 --> 00:26:01.840 somehow or 00:26:01.840 --> 00:26:02.840 another see 00:26:02.840 --> 00:26:03.340 all those 00:26:03.340 --> 00:26:04.120 times in my 00:26:04.120 --> 00:26:04.580 life, I'd 00:26:04.580 --> 00:26:04.880 have to have 00:26:04.880 --> 00:26:05.540 a calculator. 00:26:07.520 --> 00:26:07.840 Wouldn't 00:26:07.840 --> 00:26:08.640 some of you? 00:26:11.040 --> 00:26:11.460 We need to 00:26:11.460 --> 00:26:11.880 learn to 00:26:11.880 --> 00:26:13.540 speak less 00:26:13.540 --> 00:26:16.160 and listen 00:26:16.160 --> 00:26:16.600 more. 00:26:16.599 --> 00:26:18.459 James, 00:26:18.579 --> 00:26:19.119 the proverb 00:26:19.119 --> 00:26:20.359 guy of the 00:26:20.359 --> 00:26:20.959 New Testament 00:26:20.959 --> 00:26:22.500 says this, 00:26:23.219 --> 00:26:23.679 Know this, 00:26:23.759 --> 00:26:24.199 my beloved 00:26:24.199 --> 00:26:24.679 brothers, 00:26:24.959 --> 00:26:25.639 let every 00:26:25.639 --> 00:26:26.240 person be 00:26:26.240 --> 00:26:26.980 quick to 00:26:26.980 --> 00:26:27.339 hear, 00:26:28.079 --> 00:26:29.000 slow to 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:29.779 speak, 00:26:31.179 --> 00:26:32.000 slow to 00:26:32.000 --> 00:26:32.519 anger. 00:26:34.519 --> 00:26:35.539 Great advice, 00:26:35.659 --> 00:26:35.959 isn't it? 00:26:37.619 --> 00:26:38.359 How do you 00:26:38.359 --> 00:26:38.819 need to respond 00:26:38.819 --> 00:26:39.099 to this 00:26:39.099 --> 00:26:39.539 message? 00:26:39.539 --> 00:26:39.599 speech? 00:26:42.480 --> 00:26:43.099 As we've 00:26:43.099 --> 00:26:43.440 gone through 00:26:43.440 --> 00:26:43.639 this, 00:26:43.700 --> 00:26:43.920 trying to 00:26:43.920 --> 00:26:44.099 look at 00:26:44.099 --> 00:26:44.659 more positive 00:26:44.659 --> 00:26:45.359 aspects of 00:26:45.359 --> 00:26:45.839 speech, 00:26:47.700 --> 00:26:48.159 Scripture is 00:26:48.159 --> 00:26:48.659 real clear, 00:26:48.819 --> 00:26:49.139 we need to 00:26:49.139 --> 00:26:49.879 speak truthfully. 00:26:51.659 --> 00:26:52.220 But it's 00:26:52.220 --> 00:26:52.899 also clear, 00:26:53.000 --> 00:26:53.420 we need to 00:26:53.420 --> 00:26:55.740 speak appropriately 00:26:55.740 --> 00:26:57.839 in a timely 00:26:57.839 --> 00:26:58.299 way. 00:26:59.500 --> 00:27:00.139 And we need 00:27:00.139 --> 00:27:00.659 to learn to be 00:27:00.659 --> 00:27:01.279 under control 00:27:01.279 --> 00:27:01.839 when we speak 00:27:01.839 --> 00:27:02.159 and speak 00:27:02.159 --> 00:27:03.079 calmly and 00:27:03.079 --> 00:27:03.559 gently, 00:27:03.559 --> 00:27:06.119 at least a lot 00:27:06.119 --> 00:27:06.719 of times. 00:27:09.179 --> 00:27:10.000 And most of 00:27:10.000 --> 00:27:10.279 us would 00:27:10.279 --> 00:27:10.719 profit from 00:27:10.719 --> 00:27:11.519 speaking less. 00:27:13.859 --> 00:27:14.659 So as we 00:27:14.659 --> 00:27:15.159 think about 00:27:15.159 --> 00:27:17.579 how we 00:27:17.579 --> 00:27:18.359 should respond, 00:27:20.359 --> 00:27:21.399 think about 00:27:21.399 --> 00:27:21.599 it. 00:27:22.119 --> 00:27:22.619 Ask God to 00:27:22.619 --> 00:27:23.219 make it clear 00:27:23.219 --> 00:27:23.599 to you. 00:27:24.539 --> 00:27:25.299 And understand, 00:27:25.659 --> 00:27:26.179 again, 00:27:27.179 --> 00:27:28.119 what we're 00:27:28.119 --> 00:27:28.619 talking about, 00:27:28.679 --> 00:27:29.039 if you see 00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:29.659 some problems 00:27:29.659 --> 00:27:29.939 here, 00:27:30.239 --> 00:27:31.119 it's not a 00:27:31.119 --> 00:27:31.699 problem with 00:27:31.699 --> 00:27:32.279 your tongue, 00:27:32.359 --> 00:27:32.899 it's a problem 00:27:32.899 --> 00:27:33.959 with your heart. 00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:35.680 Because what 00:27:35.680 --> 00:27:36.180 comes out of 00:27:36.180 --> 00:27:36.840 our mouths, 00:27:37.640 --> 00:27:39.860 it's in us. 00:27:40.680 --> 00:27:41.500 It's who we 00:27:41.500 --> 00:27:41.920 are. 00:27:44.620 --> 00:27:45.380 And so if 00:27:45.380 --> 00:27:46.019 God's speaking 00:27:46.019 --> 00:27:46.380 to you, 00:27:46.440 --> 00:27:46.700 He's not 00:27:46.700 --> 00:27:47.319 saying just 00:27:47.319 --> 00:27:48.259 try to clean 00:27:48.259 --> 00:27:48.500 up your 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:48.920 language, 00:27:50.019 --> 00:27:50.579 try to just 00:27:50.579 --> 00:27:50.960 be more 00:27:50.960 --> 00:27:51.480 positive. 00:27:53.779 --> 00:27:54.440 He's telling 00:27:54.440 --> 00:27:55.120 us to look 00:27:55.120 --> 00:27:56.039 within at 00:27:56.039 --> 00:27:56.960 who we are, 00:27:57.819 --> 00:27:58.400 at our 00:27:58.400 --> 00:27:59.120 character. 00:28:00.779 --> 00:28:01.539 If you are 00:28:01.539 --> 00:28:01.960 a Christian 00:28:01.960 --> 00:28:02.640 truly indwelled 00:28:02.640 --> 00:28:03.100 by the Spirit 00:28:03.100 --> 00:28:03.539 of God, 00:28:03.539 --> 00:28:04.220 He is 00:28:04.220 --> 00:28:04.700 convicting 00:28:04.700 --> 00:28:05.220 you about 00:28:05.220 --> 00:28:05.700 some of 00:28:05.700 --> 00:28:06.039 this. 00:28:07.619 --> 00:28:08.059 Confess 00:28:08.059 --> 00:28:08.619 sin if 00:28:08.619 --> 00:28:08.899 there's 00:28:08.899 --> 00:28:09.259 sin. 00:28:10.680 --> 00:28:11.559 Make a 00:28:11.559 --> 00:28:12.039 commitment 00:28:12.039 --> 00:28:12.759 that you're 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:12.859 going to 00:28:12.859 --> 00:28:13.159 seek to be 00:28:13.159 --> 00:28:13.720 more sensitive 00:28:13.720 --> 00:28:14.019 to the Holy 00:28:14.019 --> 00:28:14.379 Spirit's 00:28:14.379 --> 00:28:16.059 presence and 00:28:16.059 --> 00:28:16.740 be one who 00:28:16.740 --> 00:28:17.099 is more 00:28:17.099 --> 00:28:17.579 calm, 00:28:17.740 --> 00:28:18.200 more you're 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:18.379 going to 00:28:18.379 --> 00:28:19.339 just work 00:28:19.339 --> 00:28:20.240 on with 00:28:20.240 --> 00:28:20.819 His help 00:28:20.819 --> 00:28:21.619 to be aware 00:28:21.619 --> 00:28:22.319 and then to 00:28:22.319 --> 00:28:23.159 just do it. 00:28:24.059 --> 00:28:24.659 Be more 00:28:24.659 --> 00:28:25.119 calm, 00:28:25.639 --> 00:28:26.019 be more 00:28:26.019 --> 00:28:28.799 timely in 00:28:28.799 --> 00:28:30.200 speaking and 00:28:30.200 --> 00:28:30.579 in speaking 00:28:30.579 --> 00:28:31.079 the truth. 00:28:32.319 --> 00:28:32.700 It may be 00:28:32.700 --> 00:28:33.000 that you're 00:28:33.000 --> 00:28:33.319 not a 00:28:33.319 --> 00:28:33.920 Christian and 00:28:33.920 --> 00:28:35.000 as we've 00:28:35.000 --> 00:28:35.339 gone through 00:28:35.339 --> 00:28:35.579 this, 00:28:35.680 --> 00:28:35.960 the Lord's 00:28:35.960 --> 00:28:36.420 just shown 00:28:36.420 --> 00:28:37.339 you the 00:28:37.339 --> 00:28:37.880 problem's 00:28:37.880 --> 00:28:38.160 you. 00:28:39.160 --> 00:28:39.700 You're just 00:28:39.700 --> 00:28:39.960 not a 00:28:39.960 --> 00:28:40.680 truthful person, 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:41.200 you're not 00:28:41.200 --> 00:28:43.579 anything like 00:28:43.579 --> 00:28:43.880 what we're 00:28:43.880 --> 00:28:44.480 talking about. 00:28:45.680 --> 00:28:46.440 It's a heart 00:28:46.440 --> 00:28:46.759 issue. 00:28:48.160 --> 00:28:48.759 And if God's 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:49.259 showing you 00:28:49.259 --> 00:28:49.480 that, 00:28:49.559 --> 00:28:50.000 admit to 00:28:50.000 --> 00:28:50.500 Him your 00:28:50.500 --> 00:28:51.400 sin and 00:28:51.400 --> 00:28:52.160 your separation 00:28:52.160 --> 00:28:52.619 from Him, 00:28:52.660 --> 00:28:52.940 that you're 00:28:52.940 --> 00:28:53.359 not the 00:28:53.359 --> 00:28:54.019 person that 00:28:54.019 --> 00:28:55.000 He wants 00:28:55.000 --> 00:28:55.220 you to 00:28:55.220 --> 00:28:55.440 be. 00:28:55.440 --> 00:28:57.480 Change your 00:28:57.480 --> 00:28:57.920 mind about 00:28:57.920 --> 00:28:58.140 that. 00:28:58.500 --> 00:28:58.900 Turn from 00:28:58.900 --> 00:28:59.380 that sin. 00:28:59.799 --> 00:29:00.119 Put your 00:29:00.119 --> 00:29:00.599 trust in 00:29:00.599 --> 00:29:01.240 Jesus Christ 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:01.740 believing, 00:29:02.119 --> 00:29:03.000 knowing that 00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:03.199 when He 00:29:03.199 --> 00:29:03.599 died on the 00:29:03.599 --> 00:29:03.799 cross, 00:29:03.859 --> 00:29:04.179 He actually 00:29:04.179 --> 00:29:04.759 took the 00:29:04.759 --> 00:29:05.439 punishment for 00:29:05.439 --> 00:29:06.039 that sin, 00:29:06.119 --> 00:29:06.639 for all your 00:29:06.639 --> 00:29:07.059 sins. 00:29:08.059 --> 00:29:08.459 Call upon 00:29:08.459 --> 00:29:08.839 Him to 00:29:08.839 --> 00:29:09.480 save you. 00:29:11.500 --> 00:29:12.319 Our words 00:29:12.319 --> 00:29:12.799 matter. 00:29:12.799 --> 00:29:14.740 They matter for 00:29:14.740 --> 00:29:15.659 all kinds of 00:29:15.659 --> 00:29:16.339 reasons. 00:29:17.639 --> 00:29:18.179 But I want to 00:29:18.179 --> 00:29:18.859 conclude as I 00:29:18.859 --> 00:29:19.319 have for the 00:29:19.319 --> 00:29:21.399 last three 00:29:21.399 --> 00:29:22.000 weeks now. 00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:24.799 our words 00:29:24.799 --> 00:29:26.299 matter because 00:29:26.299 --> 00:29:27.079 they reveal the 00:29:27.079 --> 00:29:27.640 condition of 00:29:27.640 --> 00:29:29.259 our heart and 00:29:29.259 --> 00:29:30.240 they will be 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:31.160 recalled by 00:29:31.160 --> 00:29:31.880 God on 00:29:31.880 --> 00:29:32.799 judgment day. 00:29:33.839 --> 00:29:35.200 Jesus said 00:29:35.200 --> 00:29:36.660 in Matthew 00:29:36.660 --> 00:29:37.099 12, 00:29:37.759 --> 00:29:38.619 I tell you, 00:29:39.059 --> 00:29:39.799 on the day of 00:29:39.799 --> 00:29:40.259 judgment, 00:29:40.900 --> 00:29:41.440 people will 00:29:41.440 --> 00:29:42.000 give an 00:29:42.000 --> 00:29:43.140 account for 00:29:43.140 --> 00:29:44.079 every careless 00:29:44.079 --> 00:29:44.859 word they 00:29:44.859 --> 00:29:45.380 speak. 00:29:45.960 --> 00:29:46.759 For by your 00:29:46.759 --> 00:29:48.059 words, you 00:29:48.059 --> 00:29:48.359 will be 00:29:48.359 --> 00:29:48.799 justified. 00:29:49.599 --> 00:29:50.359 And by your 00:29:50.359 --> 00:29:51.140 words, 00:29:51.140 --> 00:29:52.440 you will be 00:29:52.440 --> 00:29:52.860 condemned. 00:29:53.680 --> 00:29:54.100 Let's pray 00:29:54.100 --> 00:29:54.420 together. 00:29:55.840 --> 00:29:56.360 Dear God, 00:29:58.280 --> 00:29:59.300 drive home the 00:29:59.300 --> 00:30:00.220 point to us 00:30:00.220 --> 00:30:00.620 that our 00:30:00.620 --> 00:30:01.420 words do 00:30:01.420 --> 00:30:01.740 matter. 00:30:05.280 --> 00:30:06.020 And Father, 00:30:06.100 --> 00:30:06.580 help us to 00:30:06.580 --> 00:30:07.259 see that 00:30:07.259 --> 00:30:10.759 it's important 00:30:10.759 --> 00:30:11.580 that we don't 00:30:11.580 --> 00:30:13.720 just speak 00:30:13.720 --> 00:30:14.740 negatively and 00:30:14.740 --> 00:30:15.200 critically, 00:30:16.720 --> 00:30:18.240 but that we 00:30:18.240 --> 00:30:18.759 also 00:30:18.759 --> 00:30:22.460 speak positively, 00:30:23.660 --> 00:30:24.279 wisely, 00:30:25.440 --> 00:30:26.160 speaking the 00:30:26.160 --> 00:30:28.240 truth in a 00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:28.980 timely and 00:30:28.980 --> 00:30:29.640 an appropriate 00:30:29.640 --> 00:30:31.180 way, 00:30:32.180 --> 00:30:32.779 calmly, 00:30:34.599 --> 00:30:35.079 gently, 00:30:36.879 --> 00:30:37.519 having a 00:30:37.519 --> 00:30:39.339 calming effect 00:30:39.339 --> 00:30:40.279 on people and 00:30:40.279 --> 00:30:41.039 situations. 00:30:41.039 --> 00:30:41.460 Father, 00:30:41.460 --> 00:30:47.240 show us how 00:30:47.240 --> 00:30:47.759 we should 00:30:47.759 --> 00:30:50.960 respond and 00:30:50.960 --> 00:30:51.559 help us to 00:30:51.559 --> 00:30:51.980 do that. 00:30:54.680 --> 00:30:55.299 If I could 00:30:55.299 --> 00:30:55.880 pray with you 00:30:55.880 --> 00:30:56.400 in this attitude 00:30:56.400 --> 00:30:56.740 of prayer, 00:30:56.840 --> 00:30:57.420 just be 00:30:57.420 --> 00:30:58.000 prayerful, 00:30:58.660 --> 00:30:59.120 listen to the 00:30:59.120 --> 00:30:59.700 Lord and 00:30:59.700 --> 00:31:00.440 obey Him. 00:31:00.579 --> 00:31:00.920 And if I 00:31:00.920 --> 00:31:01.240 could pray 00:31:01.240 --> 00:31:01.480 with you, 00:31:01.539 --> 00:31:01.799 help you 00:31:01.799 --> 00:31:02.079 during this 00:31:02.079 --> 00:31:02.279 time, 00:31:02.460 --> 00:31:02.779 I'll be 00:31:02.779 --> 00:31:02.980 here at 00:31:02.980 --> 00:31:03.299 the front, 00:31:03.299 --> 00:31:03.880 happy to 00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:04.240 do that. 00:31:05.319 --> 00:31:05.819 Let's just 00:31:05.819 --> 00:31:07.079 listen to 00:31:07.079 --> 00:31:07.519 the Lord 00:31:07.519 --> 00:31:09.059 and respond 00:31:09.059 --> 00:31:09.319 as He 00:31:09.319 --> 00:31:09.900 speaks now.