WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.120 Well, over the past several weeks now, we have been looking at what Proverbs has to say about our speech, about the words that we use. 00:00:13.120 --> 00:00:24.879 I have heard more comments, positive comments of various kinds about this series that I think anything I've ever preached on, 00:00:24.879 --> 00:00:35.739 not because of what I have said, but because of what the Lord has said through Proverbs about our language. 00:00:36.820 --> 00:00:41.820 I've heard such things as these studies have been very convicting. 00:00:43.320 --> 00:00:49.140 I have needed these reminders to watch my words. 00:00:49.140 --> 00:00:57.179 I've heard it said, I wish I could take back a lot of the things I've said over the years. 00:00:59.240 --> 00:01:03.219 As we've gone through these studies, I could have said each one of those statements. 00:01:04.000 --> 00:01:04.840 They're true. 00:01:06.019 --> 00:01:12.780 In varying degrees, we all know from experience what James says about the tongue is true. 00:01:13.780 --> 00:01:14.480 Look at it. 00:01:14.480 --> 00:01:18.439 No human being can tame the tongue. 00:01:21.560 --> 00:01:23.380 I've not tamed mine. 00:01:24.640 --> 00:01:27.180 I don't think you've tamed yours as well. 00:01:28.579 --> 00:01:31.359 That doesn't mean we're not responsible for our words. 00:01:32.780 --> 00:01:37.960 James says no human being can tame the tongue, but that doesn't let us off the hook 00:01:37.959 --> 00:01:46.879 for the negative, the hurtful, the harmful, the destructive words that we sometimes say. 00:01:46.879 --> 00:01:53.599 Our words are not just mindless thoughts. 00:01:54.819 --> 00:02:01.679 They're not just knee-jerk reactions to various situations. 00:02:01.680 --> 00:02:12.540 Our words, as a general rule, originate in our heart, within us. 00:02:14.680 --> 00:02:16.040 Jesus made it clear. 00:02:16.960 --> 00:02:21.020 What comes out of our mouth is an indication of what's in our heart, what's in our soul, 00:02:21.240 --> 00:02:22.360 who we really are. 00:02:23.140 --> 00:02:24.340 And Jesus said it this way. 00:02:24.340 --> 00:02:27.979 The good person, out of the good treasure of his heart, produces good. 00:02:28.340 --> 00:02:31.780 And the evil person, out of his evil treasure, produces evil. 00:02:32.420 --> 00:02:36.719 For out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks. 00:02:38.400 --> 00:02:45.860 Jesus is saying that a person's spiritual condition is revealed by the kinds of words he uses, 00:02:46.159 --> 00:02:47.780 by the way we speak. 00:02:47.780 --> 00:02:51.580 Because the way we speak is the way that we think. 00:02:53.080 --> 00:02:54.300 It's how we feel. 00:02:55.520 --> 00:02:58.199 It's an indication of who we are. 00:02:59.639 --> 00:03:04.920 Now, this does not mean that a genuine Christian won't ever say things that they shouldn't say. 00:03:06.800 --> 00:03:08.960 You know that's not true. 00:03:09.780 --> 00:03:14.699 We can say some terrible things, some hurtful things, very mean things. 00:03:14.699 --> 00:03:20.679 When James pointed out that no one contained a tongue, he was writing to Christians. 00:03:22.060 --> 00:03:30.839 He knew that just as we struggle to overcome various sins in our lives 00:03:30.839 --> 00:03:34.659 and develop Christ-like character, 00:03:36.659 --> 00:03:41.479 he knew that those struggles include struggles with our speech. 00:03:41.479 --> 00:03:44.899 The Apostle Paul understood that as well. 00:03:45.739 --> 00:03:49.299 Which is why he issues numerous warnings to Christians. 00:03:50.459 --> 00:03:53.299 Watch your words, such as, 00:03:53.919 --> 00:03:57.239 let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths. 00:03:57.500 --> 00:03:59.679 He's writing to the church at Ephesus, 00:04:00.419 --> 00:04:03.479 and he says that because sometimes corrupting talk 00:04:04.060 --> 00:04:08.319 comes out of the mouths of Christians. 00:04:08.319 --> 00:04:12.739 We've seen over the last couple of weeks now 00:04:12.739 --> 00:04:16.360 that the Bible doesn't just talk about our words or speech in negative terms. 00:04:17.620 --> 00:04:19.399 All words are not destructive. 00:04:21.199 --> 00:04:25.600 Words can be very positive, encouraging, 00:04:26.420 --> 00:04:31.600 life-giving even, as we have seen back a few weeks ago in Proverbs 18. 00:04:31.600 --> 00:04:34.520 Death and life are in the power of the tongue. 00:04:36.020 --> 00:04:40.700 Paul even spoke of the positive power of our words. 00:04:41.379 --> 00:04:44.680 That sentence that we saw from Ephesians 4 a moment ago, 00:04:45.000 --> 00:04:46.660 look at what it continues to say. 00:04:47.560 --> 00:04:50.500 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, 00:04:51.000 --> 00:04:54.560 but only such as is good for building up, 00:04:54.920 --> 00:04:56.540 as fits the occasion, 00:04:56.980 --> 00:04:59.580 that it may give grace to those who hear. 00:04:59.579 --> 00:05:04.199 And then he says something very similar in Colossians chapter 4. 00:05:04.979 --> 00:05:07.300 Let your speech always be gracious, 00:05:08.120 --> 00:05:09.560 seasoned with salt, 00:05:10.079 --> 00:05:14.300 so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. 00:05:16.379 --> 00:05:22.000 I've tried to make this clear just about every week, 00:05:22.039 --> 00:05:23.180 and I'm going to continue to do it. 00:05:23.180 --> 00:05:27.840 This study is not saying to you, 00:05:28.579 --> 00:05:30.180 just do the best you can. 00:05:31.180 --> 00:05:32.480 Just do the best you can, 00:05:32.540 --> 00:05:35.660 not to say negative, harmful, hateful things, 00:05:35.660 --> 00:05:38.480 and just put forth your best effort 00:05:38.480 --> 00:05:43.899 to just say positive and truthful and helpful words. 00:05:43.899 --> 00:05:48.159 This study on our speech, 00:05:48.299 --> 00:05:49.120 our words, 00:05:49.799 --> 00:05:51.679 Jesus said, 00:05:51.919 --> 00:05:53.959 words come from within us. 00:05:54.919 --> 00:05:56.959 They're a reflection of who we are. 00:05:59.679 --> 00:06:01.299 Our words 00:06:01.299 --> 00:06:06.079 can help us really understand 00:06:06.079 --> 00:06:08.919 if we're Christians or not. 00:06:10.859 --> 00:06:12.019 The speech, 00:06:12.479 --> 00:06:13.859 the things that come to mind, 00:06:14.379 --> 00:06:15.719 the things we want to say, 00:06:15.819 --> 00:06:17.060 the things that we do say, 00:06:17.899 --> 00:06:21.560 that indicates whether the Spirit of God 00:06:21.560 --> 00:06:22.839 is living within us, 00:06:23.299 --> 00:06:23.719 by the way, 00:06:23.759 --> 00:06:24.740 He lives in every Christian, 00:06:24.740 --> 00:06:29.379 or it may indicate He does not live in us. 00:06:29.379 --> 00:06:33.199 So as important as our words are, 00:06:33.980 --> 00:06:36.680 and it is important that we exercise self-control, 00:06:38.000 --> 00:06:41.540 we're not talking about some kind of 00:06:41.540 --> 00:06:45.339 do your best with your words 00:06:45.339 --> 00:06:47.800 when we study this. 00:06:49.860 --> 00:06:52.480 This message is for God's people. 00:06:52.600 --> 00:06:53.839 It's for Christians primarily. 00:06:55.620 --> 00:06:58.639 God holds us accountable for the words we use 00:06:58.639 --> 00:07:00.759 and by His grace, 00:07:00.879 --> 00:07:01.519 with His help, 00:07:01.599 --> 00:07:03.319 with His Spirit who indwells us, 00:07:04.019 --> 00:07:08.599 we can overcome destructive patterns of speech. 00:07:09.379 --> 00:07:13.240 We can develop life-giving, 00:07:14.099 --> 00:07:14.779 encouraging, 00:07:16.399 --> 00:07:18.819 helpful patterns of speech. 00:07:20.439 --> 00:07:23.000 That's what we need to be trying to understand, 00:07:23.399 --> 00:07:24.620 get a hold of. 00:07:26.300 --> 00:07:27.759 So with that in mind, 00:07:28.639 --> 00:07:32.839 let's continue on looking at the positive use of our words 00:07:32.839 --> 00:07:35.319 or how we can use our words wisely. 00:07:35.959 --> 00:07:40.159 Let's look today at a wise person uses words to teach. 00:07:40.879 --> 00:07:42.079 Now all of us in this room, 00:07:42.199 --> 00:07:44.939 we're teachers in some way. 00:07:45.300 --> 00:07:47.259 Most of us teach informally. 00:07:47.439 --> 00:07:48.800 We teach at home. 00:07:49.360 --> 00:07:52.199 We're parents or grandparents or aunts or uncles. 00:07:53.259 --> 00:07:54.759 We teach as friends. 00:07:54.759 --> 00:07:56.680 Some of you teach on the job. 00:07:57.680 --> 00:07:59.240 Some of you teach out in the community, 00:07:59.599 --> 00:08:01.319 volunteering in this organization 00:08:01.319 --> 00:08:03.420 with sports and things of this nature. 00:08:04.500 --> 00:08:06.060 You may not realize it, 00:08:06.839 --> 00:08:07.899 but there are people 00:08:07.899 --> 00:08:10.159 who are around you. 00:08:10.680 --> 00:08:12.639 There are people in your circles of influence. 00:08:13.120 --> 00:08:15.019 They're learning life lessons 00:08:15.019 --> 00:08:16.899 from watching you 00:08:16.899 --> 00:08:21.879 and listening to the things that you say. 00:08:23.579 --> 00:08:25.560 We can break down what Proverbs says 00:08:25.560 --> 00:08:27.459 about teaching into two categories, 00:08:27.679 --> 00:08:29.179 positive and negative teaching. 00:08:30.459 --> 00:08:32.459 Positive teaching is described 00:08:32.459 --> 00:08:35.720 as giving thoughtful, wise counsel. 00:08:35.720 --> 00:08:38.100 Let's think about that. 00:08:40.180 --> 00:08:41.120 Positive teaching. 00:08:42.920 --> 00:08:46.060 Giving thoughtful, wise counsel. 00:08:49.779 --> 00:08:53.000 Do you think about how important it is 00:08:53.000 --> 00:08:58.100 to think before you speak? 00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:02.580 God does. 00:09:02.580 --> 00:09:05.379 I want you to look at what he says 00:09:05.379 --> 00:09:06.620 in Proverbs 15. 00:09:07.800 --> 00:09:09.379 The heart of the righteous 00:09:09.379 --> 00:09:12.820 ponders how to answer. 00:09:13.240 --> 00:09:15.759 The New Living Translation says it this way. 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:17.080 The heart of the godly 00:09:17.080 --> 00:09:20.960 thinks carefully before speaking. 00:09:22.300 --> 00:09:24.820 The point is obvious, isn't it? 00:09:26.060 --> 00:09:28.560 Godly, wise teachers are cautious 00:09:28.560 --> 00:09:31.420 about giving advice. 00:09:31.419 --> 00:09:39.059 I'm talking about godly, wise teachers, people 00:09:39.059 --> 00:09:42.439 are cautious about giving advice. 00:09:43.459 --> 00:09:46.679 They're not impulsive with their words. 00:09:47.639 --> 00:09:51.059 They think before they speak. 00:09:52.500 --> 00:09:54.079 And the reason why is 00:09:54.079 --> 00:09:57.079 they want to understand the situation. 00:09:57.080 --> 00:10:00.680 They want to know what's really going on, 00:10:01.040 --> 00:10:03.660 have all the facts for as much as they can 00:10:03.660 --> 00:10:06.600 so that they can speak appropriately 00:10:06.600 --> 00:10:08.660 to the situation. 00:10:09.800 --> 00:10:11.660 A godly person, a Christian, 00:10:11.820 --> 00:10:15.840 we should want to prayerfully consider 00:10:15.840 --> 00:10:18.440 what God's Word has to say about an issue 00:10:18.440 --> 00:10:22.180 before we offer too much advice, 00:10:22.179 --> 00:10:26.019 telling people to do this or not do that. 00:10:27.139 --> 00:10:29.859 A godly, wise counselor wants to make sure 00:10:29.859 --> 00:10:32.819 that whatever advice they give, 00:10:33.199 --> 00:10:34.579 it is true, 00:10:35.579 --> 00:10:37.359 it is timely, 00:10:37.599 --> 00:10:38.559 it is appropriate, 00:10:39.559 --> 00:10:42.159 it will be well received, 00:10:42.399 --> 00:10:44.539 or as well as it can be received, 00:10:44.539 --> 00:10:47.059 that it will be helpful. 00:10:49.199 --> 00:10:51.439 This verse is also a warning 00:10:51.439 --> 00:10:54.519 against people who are always quick 00:10:54.519 --> 00:10:55.699 to give you their opinion. 00:10:58.279 --> 00:10:59.679 You know, wise, excuse me, 00:11:00.079 --> 00:11:01.120 wise counsel, 00:11:01.419 --> 00:11:03.919 wise counsel 00:11:03.919 --> 00:11:06.919 is rarely on the tip of our tongue. 00:11:06.919 --> 00:11:12.299 That's why the verse says 00:11:12.299 --> 00:11:13.860 that a godly person 00:11:13.860 --> 00:11:16.139 thinks carefully before they speak. 00:11:17.579 --> 00:11:20.699 Wise counsel is more than a personal opinion. 00:11:23.699 --> 00:11:24.899 I want you to think. 00:11:26.659 --> 00:11:28.519 Godly counselors 00:11:28.519 --> 00:11:31.579 think carefully 00:11:31.579 --> 00:11:33.679 before they speak. 00:11:33.679 --> 00:11:36.979 Are you a godly counselor? 00:11:39.239 --> 00:11:41.019 Do you try to understand 00:11:41.019 --> 00:11:43.679 the true situation, 00:11:44.659 --> 00:11:45.459 the facts 00:11:45.459 --> 00:11:49.039 when someone comes to you 00:11:49.039 --> 00:11:49.959 and seeking your advice 00:11:49.959 --> 00:11:53.519 before you advise them? 00:11:54.559 --> 00:11:56.059 And if someone comes to you 00:11:56.059 --> 00:11:59.419 about a problem with another person, 00:12:00.419 --> 00:12:02.959 you know when you just hear them, 00:12:02.960 --> 00:12:04.800 you've only heard half of the story. 00:12:06.379 --> 00:12:07.460 And you really 00:12:07.460 --> 00:12:10.180 are going to be hard pressed 00:12:10.180 --> 00:12:10.720 to give 00:12:10.720 --> 00:12:13.420 a lot of wise counsel 00:12:13.420 --> 00:12:14.900 until you hear the other side. 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:18.180 Until you get the complete story. 00:12:20.680 --> 00:12:22.340 And if we're truly serious 00:12:22.340 --> 00:12:23.160 about being 00:12:23.160 --> 00:12:28.139 Christians who speak God's word, 00:12:29.639 --> 00:12:32.720 who speak the truth of Scripture, 00:12:32.960 --> 00:12:35.860 when people come to us 00:12:35.860 --> 00:12:37.620 talking about various things, 00:12:37.740 --> 00:12:38.840 seeking our advice, 00:12:39.320 --> 00:12:40.879 we need to take time to think, 00:12:41.300 --> 00:12:42.800 what does the Bible say about this? 00:12:44.000 --> 00:12:45.580 And if you don't already know, 00:12:45.660 --> 00:12:47.560 to actually research it, 00:12:47.820 --> 00:12:48.660 to study it, 00:12:48.820 --> 00:12:50.340 to try to find out. 00:12:50.340 --> 00:12:53.440 A godly, 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:54.920 wise counselor 00:12:54.920 --> 00:12:57.220 is someone 00:12:57.220 --> 00:12:58.460 who takes 00:12:58.460 --> 00:13:00.500 helping someone this way, 00:13:01.620 --> 00:13:03.139 giving advice, 00:13:03.280 --> 00:13:04.019 providing counsel, 00:13:04.240 --> 00:13:05.379 they take it seriously. 00:13:06.840 --> 00:13:08.960 And so you think, 00:13:09.820 --> 00:13:11.080 take some time 00:13:11.080 --> 00:13:13.000 to prayerfully consider 00:13:13.000 --> 00:13:16.360 the best response, 00:13:16.360 --> 00:13:17.940 the way to counsel them 00:13:17.940 --> 00:13:18.840 or advise them. 00:13:20.460 --> 00:13:21.680 But giving and seeking 00:13:21.680 --> 00:13:22.539 wise counsel 00:13:22.539 --> 00:13:23.419 is important. 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:25.279 Don't take what I just said 00:13:25.279 --> 00:13:25.659 to think, 00:13:25.740 --> 00:13:26.419 well, I just need to keep 00:13:26.419 --> 00:13:27.279 my mouth closed. 00:13:28.159 --> 00:13:29.060 I'm afraid 00:13:29.060 --> 00:13:30.399 I might not say 00:13:30.399 --> 00:13:31.080 the right thing. 00:13:31.200 --> 00:13:31.399 No. 00:13:32.019 --> 00:13:33.019 Giving and seeking 00:13:33.019 --> 00:13:34.360 wise counsel 00:13:34.360 --> 00:13:35.800 is important. 00:13:36.460 --> 00:13:37.740 God wants us 00:13:37.740 --> 00:13:38.519 to do that. 00:13:38.899 --> 00:13:40.580 Look at Proverbs 15 again. 00:13:40.580 --> 00:13:41.100 And by the way, 00:13:41.200 --> 00:13:42.639 Proverbs chapter 15 00:13:42.639 --> 00:13:44.580 has the most statements 00:13:45.100 --> 00:13:46.379 concerning our tongue 00:13:46.379 --> 00:13:48.700 of any chapter 00:13:48.700 --> 00:13:50.000 in this whole book. 00:13:51.240 --> 00:13:52.600 The lips of the wise, 00:13:52.700 --> 00:13:53.100 it says, 00:13:53.639 --> 00:13:54.440 in Proverbs 15, 00:13:54.660 --> 00:13:56.060 the lips of the wise 00:13:56.060 --> 00:13:57.400 spread knowledge. 00:13:58.020 --> 00:13:58.440 And the meaning 00:13:58.440 --> 00:13:59.000 of this verse 00:13:59.000 --> 00:14:00.080 is that wise people 00:14:00.080 --> 00:14:01.000 speak wisely. 00:14:02.440 --> 00:14:03.560 It's real simple, 00:14:03.680 --> 00:14:04.080 isn't it? 00:14:05.920 --> 00:14:06.940 Wise people 00:14:06.940 --> 00:14:07.860 speak wisely. 00:14:07.860 --> 00:14:08.700 Therefore, 00:14:09.899 --> 00:14:11.000 when they speak, 00:14:11.800 --> 00:14:13.700 it's worth listening to. 00:14:16.220 --> 00:14:17.419 Do you know 00:14:17.419 --> 00:14:19.740 who is a wise person 00:14:19.740 --> 00:14:23.759 in your own little world 00:14:23.759 --> 00:14:25.919 that you go to 00:14:25.919 --> 00:14:27.039 and listen to? 00:14:28.039 --> 00:14:29.039 You want to hear 00:14:29.039 --> 00:14:29.840 what they have to say? 00:14:32.100 --> 00:14:33.180 I want you to think 00:14:33.180 --> 00:14:33.800 about it this way. 00:14:34.820 --> 00:14:36.399 If God has blessed you 00:14:36.399 --> 00:14:37.399 with insight, 00:14:37.860 --> 00:14:39.600 about certain things, 00:14:39.980 --> 00:14:42.220 and people 00:14:42.220 --> 00:14:43.379 just seem 00:14:43.379 --> 00:14:44.919 to come to you 00:14:44.919 --> 00:14:46.620 and ask 00:14:46.620 --> 00:14:47.620 your thoughts, 00:14:48.300 --> 00:14:48.919 ask you 00:14:48.919 --> 00:14:50.460 to advise them, 00:14:51.139 --> 00:14:53.460 and it seems 00:14:53.460 --> 00:14:54.080 that there's just 00:14:54.080 --> 00:14:54.620 a pattern. 00:14:55.720 --> 00:14:56.279 You have some 00:14:56.279 --> 00:14:56.820 understanding. 00:14:57.000 --> 00:14:57.800 You have some wisdom. 00:14:57.960 --> 00:14:59.220 People seek you out, 00:14:59.399 --> 00:15:00.759 and what you tell them 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:02.039 actually helps them. 00:15:02.680 --> 00:15:03.960 They appreciate it. 00:15:03.960 --> 00:15:06.820 You need to make 00:15:06.820 --> 00:15:07.700 yourself available 00:15:07.700 --> 00:15:08.220 to people. 00:15:09.580 --> 00:15:10.440 That's a sign 00:15:10.440 --> 00:15:11.480 that God's given you 00:15:11.480 --> 00:15:13.120 some wisdom, 00:15:13.400 --> 00:15:14.240 some understanding, 00:15:14.420 --> 00:15:15.200 some expertise, 00:15:16.080 --> 00:15:18.300 and if you're a Christian 00:15:18.300 --> 00:15:18.900 who is seeking 00:15:18.900 --> 00:15:19.639 to really and truly 00:15:19.639 --> 00:15:21.180 seek to be a faithful witness 00:15:21.180 --> 00:15:22.320 to influence people, 00:15:22.320 --> 00:15:22.379 well, 00:15:23.379 --> 00:15:24.920 you need to use 00:15:24.920 --> 00:15:25.980 what God's given you. 00:15:25.980 --> 00:15:29.920 You need to make 00:15:29.920 --> 00:15:31.259 yourself available. 00:15:32.300 --> 00:15:32.420 Now, 00:15:32.460 --> 00:15:33.399 don't be prideful. 00:15:34.779 --> 00:15:35.639 Don't advertise 00:15:35.639 --> 00:15:36.840 yourself as some 00:15:36.840 --> 00:15:37.879 kind of dispenser 00:15:37.879 --> 00:15:38.700 of wisdom. 00:15:41.300 --> 00:15:42.259 Don't think, 00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:44.080 you got a question, 00:15:44.320 --> 00:15:45.420 I've got the answer. 00:15:46.800 --> 00:15:48.180 But don't make it hard 00:15:48.180 --> 00:15:49.220 for people to talk to you. 00:15:49.220 --> 00:15:52.580 Humbly accept. 00:15:53.779 --> 00:15:55.779 God's put me 00:15:55.779 --> 00:15:56.240 in a position 00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:57.279 to have some influence, 00:15:57.639 --> 00:15:58.279 to be helpful 00:15:58.279 --> 00:15:58.960 to some people. 00:16:00.360 --> 00:16:00.580 You know, 00:16:00.620 --> 00:16:01.420 we can also see 00:16:01.420 --> 00:16:02.019 in this verse 00:16:02.019 --> 00:16:02.800 the importance 00:16:02.800 --> 00:16:05.100 of us identifying 00:16:05.100 --> 00:16:06.420 people in our lives 00:16:06.420 --> 00:16:08.000 who are wise 00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:09.220 about certain things 00:16:09.220 --> 00:16:10.879 and make a habit 00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:11.519 of seeking 00:16:11.519 --> 00:16:12.879 their advice. 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:14.779 When I was 00:16:14.779 --> 00:16:15.960 in my late 20s, 00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:17.460 God put two men 00:16:17.460 --> 00:16:18.340 in my life 00:16:18.340 --> 00:16:19.600 who were older 00:16:19.600 --> 00:16:20.560 and wiser 00:16:20.560 --> 00:16:21.240 than me 00:16:21.240 --> 00:16:24.040 and I've made it 00:16:24.040 --> 00:16:24.420 a point 00:16:24.420 --> 00:16:26.060 for over 30 years 00:16:26.060 --> 00:16:27.940 to call them, 00:16:28.139 --> 00:16:28.940 email them, 00:16:29.300 --> 00:16:30.019 get together 00:16:30.019 --> 00:16:30.800 with them 00:16:30.800 --> 00:16:32.379 and seek 00:16:32.379 --> 00:16:33.320 their guidance, 00:16:33.480 --> 00:16:34.120 their counsel, 00:16:34.300 --> 00:16:35.100 their wisdom 00:16:35.100 --> 00:16:37.379 about all kinds 00:16:37.379 --> 00:16:37.940 of things. 00:16:38.100 --> 00:16:38.620 Personally, 00:16:39.540 --> 00:16:40.460 as a pastor, 00:16:41.460 --> 00:16:42.580 in just all kinds 00:16:42.580 --> 00:16:43.320 of ways. 00:16:44.700 --> 00:16:44.900 Now, 00:16:44.960 --> 00:16:45.800 the reason I was 00:16:45.800 --> 00:16:46.720 able to do that 00:16:46.720 --> 00:16:47.480 is because they 00:16:47.480 --> 00:16:48.320 made themselves 00:16:48.320 --> 00:16:49.700 available to me. 00:16:51.700 --> 00:16:53.300 They allowed me 00:16:53.300 --> 00:16:55.600 to call them, 00:16:56.100 --> 00:16:56.980 to email them, 00:16:57.520 --> 00:16:58.400 to spend some time 00:16:58.400 --> 00:16:58.879 with them. 00:17:01.879 --> 00:17:02.860 They became 00:17:02.860 --> 00:17:03.640 my friend. 00:17:05.340 --> 00:17:06.259 They wouldn't say this, 00:17:06.360 --> 00:17:06.960 but they became 00:17:06.960 --> 00:17:07.759 my mentor 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:10.160 and I took advantage 00:17:10.160 --> 00:17:10.620 of it. 00:17:11.580 --> 00:17:13.120 I made good use 00:17:13.119 --> 00:17:14.619 of that friendship 00:17:14.619 --> 00:17:16.699 in terms of just 00:17:16.699 --> 00:17:19.199 enjoying their friendship 00:17:19.199 --> 00:17:21.659 but also 00:17:21.659 --> 00:17:23.659 calling upon 00:17:23.659 --> 00:17:25.059 their wisdom, 00:17:25.239 --> 00:17:26.179 their insight 00:17:26.179 --> 00:17:28.019 because they were 00:17:28.019 --> 00:17:28.639 just smarter 00:17:28.639 --> 00:17:29.579 and wiser 00:17:29.579 --> 00:17:30.899 and more experienced 00:17:30.899 --> 00:17:31.359 than me. 00:17:31.359 --> 00:17:34.439 I want to encourage 00:17:34.439 --> 00:17:35.179 you to make 00:17:35.179 --> 00:17:36.259 yourself available 00:17:36.259 --> 00:17:38.439 to younger people 00:17:38.439 --> 00:17:40.500 in your family, 00:17:41.139 --> 00:17:42.319 maybe in your 00:17:42.319 --> 00:17:43.099 workplace, 00:17:43.740 --> 00:17:45.299 in this church, 00:17:45.740 --> 00:17:47.119 or wherever 00:17:47.119 --> 00:17:48.240 God puts people 00:17:48.240 --> 00:17:49.319 in your life 00:17:49.319 --> 00:17:51.579 and you know 00:17:51.579 --> 00:17:54.819 they would like 00:17:54.819 --> 00:17:56.079 to have access 00:17:56.079 --> 00:17:56.639 to you. 00:17:57.099 --> 00:17:58.119 They'd like to pick 00:17:58.119 --> 00:17:58.859 your brain. 00:17:59.859 --> 00:18:01.139 They would like 00:18:01.139 --> 00:18:01.859 for you to 00:18:01.859 --> 00:18:02.699 help them. 00:18:04.500 --> 00:18:04.959 Now don't act 00:18:04.959 --> 00:18:05.879 like you know it all. 00:18:07.179 --> 00:18:08.279 Don't act like 00:18:08.279 --> 00:18:08.899 you know all the 00:18:08.899 --> 00:18:09.359 answers. 00:18:09.559 --> 00:18:10.419 No one does. 00:18:10.419 --> 00:18:12.819 But humbly, 00:18:13.619 --> 00:18:14.359 prayerfully, 00:18:14.899 --> 00:18:15.539 carefully 00:18:15.539 --> 00:18:17.500 seek to pass 00:18:17.500 --> 00:18:18.359 on what you've 00:18:18.359 --> 00:18:18.919 learned 00:18:18.919 --> 00:18:20.779 that will be 00:18:20.779 --> 00:18:21.659 helpful to others. 00:18:22.119 --> 00:18:23.179 You need to do that. 00:18:23.180 --> 00:18:24.880 A godly person, 00:18:25.420 --> 00:18:25.880 a committed 00:18:25.880 --> 00:18:26.420 Christian, 00:18:27.140 --> 00:18:27.920 someone who has 00:18:27.920 --> 00:18:28.779 wisdom and 00:18:28.779 --> 00:18:30.320 insight about 00:18:30.320 --> 00:18:31.340 certain things. 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:33.500 God's given it 00:18:33.500 --> 00:18:34.000 to you. 00:18:34.519 --> 00:18:35.000 He wants you to 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:35.519 be sort of like 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:36.400 a channel, 00:18:36.560 --> 00:18:37.180 a conduit 00:18:37.180 --> 00:18:37.660 through whom 00:18:37.660 --> 00:18:38.900 He works 00:18:38.900 --> 00:18:40.519 to help 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:42.160 to meet needs 00:18:42.160 --> 00:18:42.940 in other people's 00:18:42.940 --> 00:18:43.480 lives. 00:18:44.600 --> 00:18:44.779 You know, 00:18:44.820 --> 00:18:45.480 today there's a 00:18:45.480 --> 00:18:46.360 tendency for everyone 00:18:46.360 --> 00:18:47.039 to just sort of 00:18:47.039 --> 00:18:47.900 mind their own 00:18:47.900 --> 00:18:48.320 business, 00:18:48.400 --> 00:18:48.840 isn't there? 00:18:50.160 --> 00:18:50.940 We live in a 00:18:50.940 --> 00:18:51.320 world where 00:18:51.320 --> 00:18:51.759 everybody just 00:18:51.759 --> 00:18:52.640 basically does 00:18:52.640 --> 00:18:53.460 their own thing. 00:18:55.880 --> 00:18:56.740 We need to be 00:18:56.740 --> 00:18:57.320 careful about 00:18:57.320 --> 00:18:58.020 offering too 00:18:58.020 --> 00:18:58.840 much advice. 00:19:00.280 --> 00:19:01.040 We always need 00:19:01.040 --> 00:19:01.800 to be on guard 00:19:01.800 --> 00:19:03.980 and not assume 00:19:03.980 --> 00:19:04.520 that we are 00:19:04.520 --> 00:19:05.400 wiser than we 00:19:05.400 --> 00:19:06.020 really are. 00:19:07.940 --> 00:19:08.740 But it is 00:19:08.740 --> 00:19:09.220 important 00:19:09.220 --> 00:19:11.380 for us as 00:19:11.380 --> 00:19:12.080 God's people 00:19:12.080 --> 00:19:13.820 to make 00:19:13.820 --> 00:19:14.240 ourselves 00:19:14.240 --> 00:19:14.700 available, 00:19:15.240 --> 00:19:16.560 to be willing 00:19:16.560 --> 00:19:17.280 to help, 00:19:17.940 --> 00:19:18.640 to go out of 00:19:18.640 --> 00:19:19.160 our way 00:19:19.160 --> 00:19:19.740 sometimes, 00:19:20.740 --> 00:19:22.480 to provide 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.220 thoughtful, 00:19:23.880 --> 00:19:24.799 biblically sound, 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:26.380 and practical 00:19:26.380 --> 00:19:27.160 counsel 00:19:27.160 --> 00:19:28.759 when appropriate. 00:19:30.120 --> 00:19:30.960 Proverbs has 00:19:30.960 --> 00:19:31.500 much to say 00:19:31.500 --> 00:19:32.240 about teaching. 00:19:33.440 --> 00:19:34.500 The truth is, 00:19:34.980 --> 00:19:35.640 the majority 00:19:35.640 --> 00:19:36.240 of it 00:19:36.240 --> 00:19:37.360 falls under 00:19:37.360 --> 00:19:38.160 the category 00:19:38.160 --> 00:19:38.880 of what we 00:19:38.880 --> 00:19:39.279 might call 00:19:39.279 --> 00:19:40.440 negative teaching. 00:19:41.160 --> 00:19:41.539 I'm going to 00:19:41.539 --> 00:19:41.900 call it 00:19:41.900 --> 00:19:42.700 constructive 00:19:42.700 --> 00:19:43.400 criticism. 00:19:44.200 --> 00:19:44.819 That's the 00:19:44.819 --> 00:19:45.539 next category. 00:19:45.539 --> 00:19:47.399 some of the 00:19:47.399 --> 00:19:47.920 most valuable 00:19:47.920 --> 00:19:48.500 teaching in 00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:49.000 life 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:52.220 is 00:19:52.220 --> 00:19:53.000 uncomfortable 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:54.799 for the 00:19:54.799 --> 00:19:55.420 person who 00:19:55.420 --> 00:19:56.099 is doing 00:19:56.099 --> 00:19:56.599 the talking 00:19:56.599 --> 00:19:58.180 and for the 00:19:58.180 --> 00:19:58.659 person who 00:19:58.659 --> 00:19:59.579 is doing 00:19:59.579 --> 00:20:00.079 the listening. 00:20:01.480 --> 00:20:02.440 You've been 00:20:02.440 --> 00:20:02.779 there, 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:03.839 done that. 00:20:05.399 --> 00:20:05.859 Proverbs 00:20:05.859 --> 00:20:06.819 often calls 00:20:06.819 --> 00:20:07.319 this 00:20:07.319 --> 00:20:09.819 giving reproof. 00:20:09.819 --> 00:20:11.679 Look at 00:20:11.679 --> 00:20:12.259 the example 00:20:12.259 --> 00:20:12.960 from Proverbs 00:20:12.960 --> 00:20:13.759 15, 00:20:13.859 --> 00:20:14.419 verses 31 00:20:14.419 --> 00:20:14.939 and 32. 00:20:16.259 --> 00:20:16.919 It says, 00:20:17.059 --> 00:20:17.519 The ear 00:20:17.519 --> 00:20:18.319 that listens 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:19.079 to life 00:20:19.079 --> 00:20:20.379 giving reproof 00:20:20.379 --> 00:20:21.740 will dwell 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:22.439 among the 00:20:22.439 --> 00:20:23.039 wise. 00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:25.200 Whoever 00:20:25.200 --> 00:20:25.939 ignores 00:20:25.939 --> 00:20:26.759 instruction 00:20:26.759 --> 00:20:27.879 despises 00:20:27.879 --> 00:20:28.839 himself, 00:20:29.899 --> 00:20:30.339 but he 00:20:30.339 --> 00:20:31.119 who listens 00:20:31.119 --> 00:20:32.319 to reproof 00:20:32.319 --> 00:20:33.639 gains 00:20:33.639 --> 00:20:35.000 intelligence. 00:20:37.559 --> 00:20:38.559 That applies 00:20:38.559 --> 00:20:39.240 to all of 00:20:39.240 --> 00:20:39.659 us. 00:20:41.119 --> 00:20:41.639 But the 00:20:41.639 --> 00:20:42.139 younger you 00:20:42.139 --> 00:20:42.539 are, 00:20:43.460 --> 00:20:43.779 you've just 00:20:43.779 --> 00:20:44.019 not had 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:44.460 the opportunity 00:20:44.460 --> 00:20:46.059 to experience 00:20:46.059 --> 00:20:46.559 a lot, 00:20:46.639 --> 00:20:47.279 to learn 00:20:47.279 --> 00:20:48.740 things that 00:20:48.740 --> 00:20:50.079 a lot of 00:20:50.079 --> 00:20:50.440 people older 00:20:50.440 --> 00:20:50.659 than you 00:20:50.659 --> 00:20:51.279 have learned. 00:20:51.779 --> 00:20:52.519 So especially 00:20:52.519 --> 00:20:53.539 you take that 00:20:53.539 --> 00:20:53.980 to heart. 00:20:55.099 --> 00:20:55.539 The word 00:20:55.539 --> 00:20:56.240 reproof 00:20:56.240 --> 00:20:57.200 means correction. 00:20:58.200 --> 00:20:58.700 It's used 00:20:58.700 --> 00:20:59.319 in Proverbs 00:20:59.319 --> 00:20:59.960 to describe 00:20:59.960 --> 00:21:00.720 helpful 00:21:00.720 --> 00:21:01.339 correction 00:21:01.339 --> 00:21:02.839 or 00:21:02.839 --> 00:21:03.960 constructive 00:21:03.960 --> 00:21:04.759 criticism. 00:21:05.500 --> 00:21:05.759 The New 00:21:05.759 --> 00:21:06.119 Living 00:21:06.119 --> 00:21:06.779 Translation 00:21:06.779 --> 00:21:07.220 actually 00:21:07.220 --> 00:21:08.059 translates 00:21:08.059 --> 00:21:08.359 to that 00:21:08.359 --> 00:21:08.720 word 00:21:08.720 --> 00:21:09.579 constructive 00:21:09.579 --> 00:21:10.639 criticism 00:21:10.639 --> 00:21:11.179 in verse 00:21:11.179 --> 00:21:11.960 31 00:21:11.960 --> 00:21:13.279 and 00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:13.940 correction 00:21:13.940 --> 00:21:15.139 in verse 00:21:15.139 --> 00:21:15.679 32. 00:21:16.679 --> 00:21:17.579 The real 00:21:17.579 --> 00:21:18.179 point being 00:21:18.179 --> 00:21:18.799 made in 00:21:18.799 --> 00:21:19.339 these verses 00:21:19.339 --> 00:21:19.839 is that a 00:21:19.839 --> 00:21:20.599 wise person 00:21:20.599 --> 00:21:21.879 will listen 00:21:21.879 --> 00:21:24.619 to words 00:21:24.619 --> 00:21:25.240 of correction. 00:21:26.619 --> 00:21:27.759 A wise 00:21:27.759 --> 00:21:28.440 person will 00:21:28.440 --> 00:21:29.099 listen to 00:21:29.099 --> 00:21:29.679 constructive 00:21:29.679 --> 00:21:30.359 criticism 00:21:30.359 --> 00:21:31.859 because that's 00:21:31.859 --> 00:21:32.460 one of the 00:21:32.460 --> 00:21:33.419 characteristics 00:21:33.420 --> 00:21:34.539 wisdom. 00:21:34.539 --> 00:21:34.980 The 00:21:34.980 --> 00:21:35.000 wisdom 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:35.920 being 00:21:35.920 --> 00:21:36.700 teachable. 00:21:38.140 --> 00:21:39.480 In Proverbs 00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:40.759 a person 00:21:40.759 --> 00:21:41.279 who thinks 00:21:41.279 --> 00:21:41.640 they know 00:21:41.640 --> 00:21:42.039 it all, 00:21:42.360 --> 00:21:42.720 a person 00:21:42.720 --> 00:21:43.180 who is 00:21:43.180 --> 00:21:44.259 unteachable, 00:21:45.300 --> 00:21:45.580 they're 00:21:45.580 --> 00:21:46.200 considered a 00:21:46.200 --> 00:21:46.560 fool. 00:21:47.940 --> 00:21:49.019 And Proverbs 00:21:49.019 --> 00:21:49.920 has much 00:21:49.920 --> 00:21:50.580 to say. 00:21:51.340 --> 00:21:51.960 Warnings 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:52.580 against 00:21:52.580 --> 00:21:54.680 being foolish 00:21:54.680 --> 00:21:56.240 and acting 00:21:56.240 --> 00:21:56.940 like a fool. 00:21:56.940 --> 00:21:59.460 This is the 00:21:59.460 --> 00:21:59.680 kind of 00:21:59.680 --> 00:22:00.059 person who 00:22:00.059 --> 00:22:00.880 refuses to 00:22:00.880 --> 00:22:02.600 listen to 00:22:02.600 --> 00:22:03.180 constructive 00:22:03.180 --> 00:22:03.860 criticism, 00:22:04.660 --> 00:22:05.120 to any kind 00:22:05.120 --> 00:22:05.720 of correction 00:22:05.720 --> 00:22:07.680 because they're 00:22:07.680 --> 00:22:08.840 unwilling to 00:22:08.840 --> 00:22:09.340 admit they 00:22:09.340 --> 00:22:09.860 don't know it 00:22:09.860 --> 00:22:10.120 all. 00:22:10.960 --> 00:22:11.519 In their 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:12.059 mind they're 00:22:12.059 --> 00:22:13.080 always right. 00:22:14.519 --> 00:22:15.720 So other 00:22:15.720 --> 00:22:16.120 people are 00:22:16.120 --> 00:22:16.860 always wrong. 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:18.640 But I want you 00:22:18.640 --> 00:22:19.160 to understand it 00:22:19.160 --> 00:22:19.840 is a characteristic 00:22:19.840 --> 00:22:21.799 of maturity to 00:22:21.799 --> 00:22:22.740 be open to 00:22:22.740 --> 00:22:24.860 correction and 00:22:24.860 --> 00:22:25.440 willing to 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:26.059 change. 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:26.720 Change the 00:22:26.720 --> 00:22:27.059 way you 00:22:27.059 --> 00:22:27.519 think. 00:22:28.380 --> 00:22:29.080 Change what 00:22:29.080 --> 00:22:29.500 you are 00:22:29.500 --> 00:22:30.000 doing. 00:22:31.380 --> 00:22:32.080 People who 00:22:32.080 --> 00:22:33.460 do that are 00:22:33.460 --> 00:22:34.720 showing signs 00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:36.660 of maturity, 00:22:37.240 --> 00:22:38.299 of wisdom, 00:22:39.779 --> 00:22:40.120 of just 00:22:40.120 --> 00:22:40.920 growing even 00:22:40.920 --> 00:22:42.620 in godly 00:22:42.620 --> 00:22:43.559 character if 00:22:43.559 --> 00:22:43.700 they're 00:22:43.700 --> 00:22:44.080 Christians. 00:22:45.799 --> 00:22:46.039 Now, 00:22:46.640 --> 00:22:47.380 outside of 00:22:47.380 --> 00:22:47.980 the home, 00:22:48.160 --> 00:22:48.480 offering 00:22:48.480 --> 00:22:49.039 constructive 00:22:49.039 --> 00:22:50.519 criticism is 00:22:50.519 --> 00:22:51.160 rare in 00:22:51.160 --> 00:22:51.880 today's world. 00:22:53.940 --> 00:22:54.259 I mean, 00:22:54.320 --> 00:22:54.779 in today's 00:22:54.779 --> 00:22:55.019 world, 00:22:55.100 --> 00:22:55.380 everybody, 00:22:55.440 --> 00:22:56.820 thinks to 00:22:56.820 --> 00:22:57.279 themselves, 00:22:57.460 --> 00:22:57.660 you know, 00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:58.420 well, 00:22:58.519 --> 00:22:59.000 you have 00:22:59.000 --> 00:22:59.500 your thing, 00:22:59.580 --> 00:22:59.980 you believe 00:22:59.980 --> 00:23:00.559 this way, 00:23:00.660 --> 00:23:01.019 and I 00:23:01.019 --> 00:23:01.440 believe another 00:23:01.440 --> 00:23:01.620 way. 00:23:01.700 --> 00:23:02.240 Your truth 00:23:02.240 --> 00:23:02.640 is this, 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:03.180 my truth 00:23:03.180 --> 00:23:03.700 is that. 00:23:04.320 --> 00:23:05.080 It's crazy, 00:23:05.240 --> 00:23:05.940 it's wrong, 00:23:06.860 --> 00:23:07.720 it's ludicrous, 00:23:08.299 --> 00:23:08.700 but it's the 00:23:08.700 --> 00:23:09.059 way people 00:23:09.059 --> 00:23:09.500 think. 00:23:11.440 --> 00:23:12.160 Outside the 00:23:12.160 --> 00:23:12.500 home, 00:23:12.660 --> 00:23:13.019 offering 00:23:13.019 --> 00:23:13.660 constructive 00:23:13.660 --> 00:23:14.559 criticism just 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:15.059 doesn't take 00:23:15.059 --> 00:23:16.580 place as it 00:23:16.580 --> 00:23:17.340 once did. 00:23:19.480 --> 00:23:20.039 Unfortunately, 00:23:20.320 --> 00:23:20.820 it's not even 00:23:20.820 --> 00:23:22.000 being done in 00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:24.440 homes like it 00:23:24.440 --> 00:23:25.279 used to be, 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:27.120 like it 00:23:27.120 --> 00:23:27.820 needs to be. 00:23:28.940 --> 00:23:29.600 When I was 00:23:29.600 --> 00:23:30.220 growing up, 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:31.500 I had good 00:23:31.500 --> 00:23:32.120 parents. 00:23:32.900 --> 00:23:33.600 In no way 00:23:33.600 --> 00:23:34.039 were they 00:23:34.039 --> 00:23:34.600 abusive. 00:23:36.220 --> 00:23:36.519 But my 00:23:36.519 --> 00:23:36.860 parents, 00:23:37.220 --> 00:23:37.759 they just 00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:38.440 didn't seem 00:23:38.440 --> 00:23:39.039 to sit up 00:23:39.039 --> 00:23:39.620 late at night 00:23:39.620 --> 00:23:40.039 and worry 00:23:40.039 --> 00:23:40.600 about if they 00:23:40.600 --> 00:23:40.860 were going to 00:23:40.860 --> 00:23:41.320 hurt my 00:23:41.320 --> 00:23:43.380 feelings when 00:23:43.380 --> 00:23:43.920 they corrected 00:23:43.920 --> 00:23:44.220 me. 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:45.820 You know 00:23:45.820 --> 00:23:46.080 that? 00:23:46.080 --> 00:23:46.400 You know 00:23:46.400 --> 00:23:48.180 that? 00:23:48.180 --> 00:23:50.480 My parents 00:23:50.480 --> 00:23:50.960 didn't look 00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:51.440 at me and 00:23:51.440 --> 00:23:51.900 beg and 00:23:51.900 --> 00:23:54.640 plead or 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:56.920 apologize for 00:23:56.920 --> 00:23:57.440 pointing out 00:23:57.440 --> 00:23:58.000 something that 00:23:58.000 --> 00:23:58.259 was just 00:23:58.259 --> 00:23:59.340 absolutely foolish 00:23:59.340 --> 00:24:01.799 or stupid that 00:24:01.799 --> 00:24:02.980 I had said or 00:24:02.980 --> 00:24:03.440 done. 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:05.700 I played sports 00:24:05.700 --> 00:24:06.680 all my life, 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:07.360 growing up, 00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:07.920 little league 00:24:07.920 --> 00:24:08.299 and high 00:24:08.299 --> 00:24:08.759 school. 00:24:10.640 --> 00:24:11.539 And all the 00:24:11.539 --> 00:24:12.200 coaches I had 00:24:12.200 --> 00:24:12.720 back in those 00:24:12.720 --> 00:24:13.620 days, I never 00:24:13.620 --> 00:24:14.740 had any kind 00:24:14.740 --> 00:24:15.380 of abusive, 00:24:15.740 --> 00:24:16.779 mean, crazy 00:24:16.779 --> 00:24:17.299 guy. 00:24:18.359 --> 00:24:18.779 Some of them 00:24:18.779 --> 00:24:19.180 were Christian, 00:24:19.299 --> 00:24:19.680 some of them 00:24:19.680 --> 00:24:20.200 were not. 00:24:23.200 --> 00:24:23.819 But they 00:24:23.819 --> 00:24:24.379 weren't worried 00:24:24.379 --> 00:24:24.779 about hurting 00:24:24.779 --> 00:24:25.339 my feelings 00:24:25.339 --> 00:24:25.680 either. 00:24:28.460 --> 00:24:29.139 But they 00:24:29.139 --> 00:24:30.099 would tell me 00:24:30.099 --> 00:24:32.240 this is wrong. 00:24:33.259 --> 00:24:34.299 You can't do 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:34.700 that. 00:24:35.879 --> 00:24:36.539 If you're 00:24:36.539 --> 00:24:36.980 going to play, 00:24:37.079 --> 00:24:37.339 you're going 00:24:37.339 --> 00:24:38.220 to change. 00:24:39.579 --> 00:24:40.059 You're going 00:24:40.059 --> 00:24:40.720 to do it this 00:24:40.720 --> 00:24:40.920 way. 00:24:40.980 --> 00:24:41.279 You're going 00:24:41.279 --> 00:24:41.899 to do it my 00:24:41.899 --> 00:24:42.359 way. 00:24:44.399 --> 00:24:44.920 And you 00:24:44.920 --> 00:24:46.059 know, there 00:24:46.059 --> 00:24:46.839 were times 00:24:46.839 --> 00:24:47.579 I'm sure 00:24:47.579 --> 00:24:48.059 when a 00:24:48.059 --> 00:24:48.599 coach or 00:24:48.599 --> 00:24:49.279 my parents 00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:50.039 said something 00:24:50.039 --> 00:24:50.559 and it 00:24:50.559 --> 00:24:50.980 hurt my 00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:51.500 feelings, but 00:24:51.500 --> 00:24:51.740 you know 00:24:51.740 --> 00:24:52.119 what? 00:24:53.019 --> 00:24:53.679 I got 00:24:53.679 --> 00:24:54.259 over it. 00:24:56.119 --> 00:24:56.779 And a lot 00:24:56.779 --> 00:24:57.059 of you, I 00:24:57.059 --> 00:24:57.480 can see some 00:24:57.480 --> 00:24:58.440 heads nodding, 00:24:58.899 --> 00:24:59.480 you experience 00:24:59.480 --> 00:24:59.940 the same 00:24:59.940 --> 00:25:00.379 thing. 00:25:02.399 --> 00:25:02.960 We have 00:25:02.960 --> 00:25:03.799 developed a 00:25:03.799 --> 00:25:05.639 mentality, we've 00:25:05.639 --> 00:25:06.079 developed a 00:25:06.079 --> 00:25:06.940 culture where 00:25:06.940 --> 00:25:08.899 we have to walk 00:25:08.899 --> 00:25:09.559 on pins and 00:25:09.559 --> 00:25:10.179 needles or we're 00:25:10.179 --> 00:25:10.960 going to offend 00:25:10.960 --> 00:25:11.980 someone today. 00:25:12.460 --> 00:25:12.899 And sometimes 00:25:12.899 --> 00:25:13.619 that takes place 00:25:13.619 --> 00:25:14.279 at home. 00:25:17.339 --> 00:25:18.159 You can't be 00:25:18.159 --> 00:25:18.659 an effective 00:25:18.659 --> 00:25:20.419 parent if 00:25:20.419 --> 00:25:20.959 you're always 00:25:20.959 --> 00:25:21.979 worried about 00:25:21.979 --> 00:25:23.539 I might offend 00:25:23.539 --> 00:25:24.079 or hurt my 00:25:24.079 --> 00:25:24.939 child's feelings. 00:25:25.139 --> 00:25:25.500 No, you 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:26.299 don't be abusive. 00:25:27.299 --> 00:25:27.679 No, you 00:25:27.679 --> 00:25:28.419 don't be mean 00:25:28.419 --> 00:25:29.099 spirited. 00:25:29.539 --> 00:25:30.039 No, it's 00:25:30.039 --> 00:25:30.659 wrong to be 00:25:30.659 --> 00:25:31.199 harsh. 00:25:32.199 --> 00:25:33.079 But it's not 00:25:33.079 --> 00:25:33.739 wrong for you 00:25:33.739 --> 00:25:35.119 to be the 00:25:35.119 --> 00:25:36.959 parent, to be 00:25:36.959 --> 00:25:40.299 in control, to 00:25:40.299 --> 00:25:42.359 make observations 00:25:42.359 --> 00:25:43.059 about what's 00:25:43.059 --> 00:25:43.639 wrong and 00:25:43.639 --> 00:25:45.099 right, to 00:25:45.099 --> 00:25:47.839 give correction 00:25:47.839 --> 00:25:49.259 and constructive 00:25:49.259 --> 00:25:50.599 criticism. 00:25:51.879 --> 00:25:52.979 It's needed. 00:25:53.639 --> 00:25:54.959 God expects it. 00:25:56.279 --> 00:25:56.919 Chuck Swindoll 00:25:56.919 --> 00:25:57.919 makes some very 00:25:57.919 --> 00:25:59.279 helpful observations 00:25:59.279 --> 00:26:01.179 about what we're 00:26:01.179 --> 00:26:01.740 talking about. 00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:03.879 Reproof, he 00:26:03.879 --> 00:26:04.139 says. 00:26:04.199 --> 00:26:04.679 Look at it. 00:26:05.379 --> 00:26:07.099 How rare, yet 00:26:07.099 --> 00:26:07.919 how essential. 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:09.699 Pause and think 00:26:09.699 --> 00:26:10.500 of an occasion 00:26:10.500 --> 00:26:11.480 when someone 00:26:11.480 --> 00:26:13.279 wisely, yet 00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:15.059 firmly, rebuked 00:26:15.059 --> 00:26:16.259 your behavior, 00:26:16.720 --> 00:26:17.640 your thinking, 00:26:17.839 --> 00:26:18.240 or your 00:26:18.240 --> 00:26:19.819 attitude, and 00:26:19.819 --> 00:26:20.500 you became a 00:26:20.500 --> 00:26:21.400 better person as 00:26:21.400 --> 00:26:21.920 a result. 00:26:23.400 --> 00:26:24.099 That's what I was 00:26:24.099 --> 00:26:25.380 talking about my 00:26:25.380 --> 00:26:26.279 parents, my 00:26:26.279 --> 00:26:27.160 coaches, people in 00:26:27.160 --> 00:26:27.960 my life growing 00:26:27.960 --> 00:26:28.180 up. 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:29.180 You can think 00:26:29.180 --> 00:26:29.579 that way. 00:26:29.700 --> 00:26:30.240 Think about it. 00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:31.980 Then Swindoll 00:26:31.980 --> 00:26:32.700 says, look at 00:26:32.700 --> 00:26:34.180 Proverbs 27, 6. 00:26:34.519 --> 00:26:35.960 I will amplify it 00:26:35.960 --> 00:26:37.259 using the Hebrew 00:26:37.259 --> 00:26:38.740 text as our guide. 00:26:39.099 --> 00:26:39.680 Literally, the 00:26:39.680 --> 00:26:40.360 verse reads, 00:26:40.799 --> 00:26:41.860 trustworthy are 00:26:41.860 --> 00:26:42.900 the bruises 00:26:42.900 --> 00:26:44.420 caused by the 00:26:44.420 --> 00:26:45.880 wounding of one 00:26:45.880 --> 00:26:46.820 who loves you. 00:26:47.900 --> 00:26:48.840 Deceitful is the 00:26:48.840 --> 00:26:50.019 flattery of one 00:26:50.019 --> 00:26:51.320 who hates you. 00:26:52.440 --> 00:26:53.240 Swindoll makes a 00:26:53.240 --> 00:26:53.880 few points here 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:54.680 that I want to 00:26:54.680 --> 00:26:55.220 stress. 00:26:55.360 --> 00:26:55.660 I want you to 00:26:55.660 --> 00:26:55.900 listen. 00:26:56.900 --> 00:26:58.019 Number one, the 00:26:58.019 --> 00:26:58.980 person who does 00:26:58.980 --> 00:27:00.360 the rebuking should 00:27:00.360 --> 00:27:01.259 be someone who 00:27:01.259 --> 00:27:02.600 loves the person 00:27:02.600 --> 00:27:04.080 he or she 00:27:04.080 --> 00:27:05.080 rebukes. 00:27:05.539 --> 00:27:06.100 Now, this is 00:27:06.100 --> 00:27:06.560 essential. 00:27:06.559 --> 00:27:09.099 It's important 00:27:09.099 --> 00:27:09.980 sometimes to 00:27:09.980 --> 00:27:12.159 correct, to offer 00:27:12.159 --> 00:27:12.659 constructive 00:27:12.659 --> 00:27:13.720 criticism in your 00:27:13.720 --> 00:27:14.639 home in various 00:27:14.639 --> 00:27:15.240 settings. 00:27:16.859 --> 00:27:17.779 But you need to 00:27:17.779 --> 00:27:19.559 make sure that the 00:27:19.559 --> 00:27:19.960 constructive 00:27:19.960 --> 00:27:21.059 criticism you are 00:27:21.059 --> 00:27:24.159 offering is done 00:27:24.159 --> 00:27:24.879 in a spirit of 00:27:24.879 --> 00:27:27.980 love with the 00:27:27.980 --> 00:27:29.119 intent to help. 00:27:29.119 --> 00:27:31.119 love with the 00:27:31.119 --> 00:27:32.119 person. 00:27:32.119 --> 00:27:33.879 If you do not 00:27:33.879 --> 00:27:35.059 love the person 00:27:35.059 --> 00:27:36.979 and care about 00:27:36.979 --> 00:27:37.799 the person, 00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:40.479 your criticism 00:27:40.479 --> 00:27:41.539 is not going to 00:27:41.539 --> 00:27:42.359 be constructive. 00:27:42.899 --> 00:27:43.619 It's not going to 00:27:43.619 --> 00:27:45.000 be well received. 00:27:46.119 --> 00:27:47.139 It's going to do 00:27:47.139 --> 00:27:47.879 more harm than 00:27:47.879 --> 00:27:48.339 good. 00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:50.659 It is vitally 00:27:50.659 --> 00:27:51.219 important. 00:27:51.220 --> 00:27:53.519 trustworthy are 00:27:53.519 --> 00:27:54.200 the bruises 00:27:54.200 --> 00:27:55.279 caused by the 00:27:55.279 --> 00:27:56.019 wounding of 00:27:56.019 --> 00:27:56.900 one who 00:27:56.900 --> 00:27:58.160 loves you. 00:28:00.120 --> 00:28:01.000 It's got to be 00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:02.160 done in a 00:28:02.160 --> 00:28:02.740 loving way. 00:28:02.799 --> 00:28:03.519 This rebuking, 00:28:03.660 --> 00:28:06.500 this constructive 00:28:06.500 --> 00:28:07.100 criticism. 00:28:08.440 --> 00:28:08.900 Number two, 00:28:08.960 --> 00:28:09.559 Swindoll says, 00:28:09.839 --> 00:28:10.900 a bruise tends 00:28:10.900 --> 00:28:12.579 to linger long 00:28:12.579 --> 00:28:13.299 after the 00:28:13.299 --> 00:28:13.920 wounding. 00:28:14.600 --> 00:28:15.299 It is not 00:28:15.299 --> 00:28:16.259 soon forgotten. 00:28:17.360 --> 00:28:18.259 Some constructive 00:28:18.259 --> 00:28:19.620 criticism really 00:28:19.620 --> 00:28:20.539 hurts. 00:28:21.220 --> 00:28:23.700 And the blow 00:28:23.700 --> 00:28:25.319 was so severe 00:28:25.319 --> 00:28:28.000 that it does 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:29.339 leave a bruise. 00:28:31.380 --> 00:28:32.579 But you know, 00:28:32.700 --> 00:28:33.480 a lot of our 00:28:33.480 --> 00:28:36.920 egos needs 00:28:36.920 --> 00:28:38.019 to be bruised. 00:28:40.319 --> 00:28:41.819 Some constructive 00:28:41.819 --> 00:28:46.120 criticism gets 00:28:46.120 --> 00:28:47.880 people, gets 00:28:47.880 --> 00:28:48.440 their attention 00:28:48.440 --> 00:28:49.220 in such a way, 00:28:49.620 --> 00:28:50.259 or maybe it's 00:28:50.259 --> 00:28:51.879 so needed, 00:28:52.180 --> 00:28:53.220 so sharp, 00:28:53.379 --> 00:28:54.319 so direct, 00:28:55.319 --> 00:28:56.440 that there is 00:28:56.440 --> 00:28:57.900 bruising. 00:29:00.420 --> 00:29:01.160 You don't just 00:29:01.160 --> 00:29:01.740 forget it in a 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:02.000 moment. 00:29:04.220 --> 00:29:05.079 But sometimes, 00:29:05.640 --> 00:29:06.539 when that is 00:29:06.539 --> 00:29:07.839 done in love, 00:29:08.839 --> 00:29:09.839 to really 00:29:09.839 --> 00:29:11.640 correct harmful 00:29:11.640 --> 00:29:12.299 or hurtful 00:29:12.299 --> 00:29:12.960 behavior, 00:29:13.960 --> 00:29:15.299 that bruise 00:29:15.299 --> 00:29:15.839 serves a good 00:29:15.839 --> 00:29:16.299 purpose. 00:29:16.299 --> 00:29:17.480 it's a good 00:29:17.480 --> 00:29:18.220 reminder. 00:29:18.220 --> 00:29:20.279 It can be 00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:20.940 that which 00:29:20.940 --> 00:29:21.559 prevents a 00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:22.059 person from 00:29:22.059 --> 00:29:22.399 going down 00:29:22.399 --> 00:29:22.859 the wrong 00:29:22.859 --> 00:29:23.299 road. 00:29:26.200 --> 00:29:26.839 Sometimes, 00:29:27.200 --> 00:29:28.819 trustworthy 00:29:28.819 --> 00:29:29.659 are the 00:29:29.659 --> 00:29:30.440 bruises 00:29:30.440 --> 00:29:32.440 caused by 00:29:32.440 --> 00:29:33.359 the wounding 00:29:33.359 --> 00:29:34.700 of one 00:29:34.700 --> 00:29:35.259 who loves 00:29:35.259 --> 00:29:35.539 you. 00:29:36.940 --> 00:29:37.319 I want you 00:29:37.319 --> 00:29:37.700 to understand, 00:29:37.799 --> 00:29:38.259 some of you, 00:29:40.259 --> 00:29:41.139 you may 00:29:41.139 --> 00:29:42.740 think about 00:29:42.740 --> 00:29:44.240 bruises 00:29:44.240 --> 00:29:45.680 emotionally, 00:29:46.680 --> 00:29:49.099 but you 00:29:49.099 --> 00:29:49.660 know that 00:29:49.660 --> 00:29:50.120 whoever it 00:29:50.120 --> 00:29:50.599 was, 00:29:51.700 --> 00:29:52.079 you know 00:29:52.079 --> 00:29:52.500 really they 00:29:52.500 --> 00:29:53.359 loved you 00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:53.599 or they 00:29:53.599 --> 00:29:54.099 love you. 00:29:54.539 --> 00:29:55.359 They care. 00:29:56.359 --> 00:29:57.079 They didn't 00:29:57.079 --> 00:29:57.740 want to 00:29:57.740 --> 00:29:58.500 bruise you, 00:29:58.500 --> 00:29:59.680 but they did 00:29:59.680 --> 00:30:00.180 it for your 00:30:00.180 --> 00:30:00.880 well-being. 00:30:02.940 --> 00:30:03.500 You 00:30:03.500 --> 00:30:04.819 accept that 00:30:04.819 --> 00:30:05.460 bruise 00:30:05.460 --> 00:30:07.160 as something 00:30:07.160 --> 00:30:07.720 for your 00:30:07.720 --> 00:30:08.240 good. 00:30:08.240 --> 00:30:10.900 it may 00:30:10.900 --> 00:30:11.359 have hurt 00:30:11.359 --> 00:30:12.079 that person 00:30:12.079 --> 00:30:12.700 more than 00:30:12.700 --> 00:30:13.180 it hurt 00:30:13.180 --> 00:30:13.779 you, 00:30:14.500 --> 00:30:15.160 but they 00:30:15.160 --> 00:30:15.880 cared too 00:30:15.880 --> 00:30:16.420 much about 00:30:16.420 --> 00:30:16.779 you to 00:30:16.779 --> 00:30:17.359 just let 00:30:17.359 --> 00:30:17.779 it go. 00:30:18.039 --> 00:30:18.279 Some 00:30:18.279 --> 00:30:18.900 things you 00:30:18.900 --> 00:30:20.000 cannot let 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:20.460 go. 00:30:20.960 --> 00:30:21.279 Some 00:30:21.279 --> 00:30:22.200 hills are 00:30:22.200 --> 00:30:23.120 worth spilling 00:30:23.120 --> 00:30:24.200 blood on. 00:30:26.319 --> 00:30:27.140 That's what 00:30:27.140 --> 00:30:27.819 Proverbs is 00:30:27.819 --> 00:30:28.079 saying. 00:30:31.720 --> 00:30:32.599 I want 00:30:32.599 --> 00:30:33.180 you to 00:30:33.180 --> 00:30:34.839 look at 00:30:34.839 --> 00:30:35.240 one more 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:35.960 comment from 00:30:35.960 --> 00:30:36.440 Swindoll. 00:30:38.240 --> 00:30:38.559 He says, 00:30:38.620 --> 00:30:39.039 so much 00:30:39.039 --> 00:30:39.319 of this 00:30:39.319 --> 00:30:39.880 matter of 00:30:39.880 --> 00:30:40.579 rebuking 00:30:40.579 --> 00:30:41.480 has to 00:30:41.480 --> 00:30:41.920 do with 00:30:41.920 --> 00:30:42.859 discernment 00:30:42.859 --> 00:30:43.380 and 00:30:43.380 --> 00:30:44.039 discretion. 00:30:45.039 --> 00:30:45.539 There's a 00:30:45.539 --> 00:30:46.160 right way 00:30:46.160 --> 00:30:46.460 and a 00:30:46.460 --> 00:30:47.259 right time, 00:30:47.500 --> 00:30:47.799 not to 00:30:47.799 --> 00:30:48.160 mention a 00:30:48.160 --> 00:30:48.900 right motive 00:30:48.900 --> 00:30:50.359 for rebuking 00:30:50.359 --> 00:30:51.319 a loved 00:30:51.319 --> 00:30:51.680 one. 00:30:52.319 --> 00:30:52.859 If your 00:30:52.859 --> 00:30:53.519 friend's 00:30:53.519 --> 00:30:54.059 motive is 00:30:54.059 --> 00:30:54.539 to help 00:30:54.539 --> 00:30:54.960 you, 00:30:55.620 --> 00:30:56.859 those wounds 00:30:56.859 --> 00:30:58.140 will make 00:30:58.140 --> 00:30:58.779 the best 00:30:58.779 --> 00:30:59.500 use of 00:30:59.500 --> 00:30:59.960 timing. 00:31:00.599 --> 00:31:01.059 Be done 00:31:01.059 --> 00:31:01.900 privately. 00:31:02.539 --> 00:31:03.160 Focus on a 00:31:03.160 --> 00:31:04.099 specific issue. 00:31:04.599 --> 00:31:05.099 Lead to 00:31:05.099 --> 00:31:05.799 long-term 00:31:05.799 --> 00:31:06.599 improvement 00:31:06.599 --> 00:31:07.900 and include 00:31:07.900 --> 00:31:09.000 lots of 00:31:09.000 --> 00:31:09.820 affirmation 00:31:09.820 --> 00:31:10.120 and 00:31:10.120 --> 00:31:10.680 encouragement. 00:31:12.960 --> 00:31:13.700 I want you 00:31:13.700 --> 00:31:14.220 to understand, 00:31:15.220 --> 00:31:16.420 in the 00:31:16.420 --> 00:31:16.960 home and 00:31:16.960 --> 00:31:17.280 in certain 00:31:17.280 --> 00:31:17.880 other places 00:31:17.880 --> 00:31:18.460 in life, 00:31:19.200 --> 00:31:19.880 correction is 00:31:19.880 --> 00:31:20.300 needed. 00:31:21.220 --> 00:31:22.019 But that's 00:31:22.019 --> 00:31:22.420 not all 00:31:22.420 --> 00:31:22.900 that's needed. 00:31:25.000 --> 00:31:25.860 The people 00:31:25.860 --> 00:31:26.200 that you 00:31:26.200 --> 00:31:26.800 live with, 00:31:26.860 --> 00:31:27.259 the people 00:31:27.259 --> 00:31:28.460 that you're 00:31:28.460 --> 00:31:29.440 responsible for 00:31:29.440 --> 00:31:29.940 trying to 00:31:29.940 --> 00:31:30.360 train, 00:31:30.500 --> 00:31:30.920 correct, 00:31:31.060 --> 00:31:31.340 help, 00:31:32.340 --> 00:31:32.759 they need 00:31:32.759 --> 00:31:33.040 to hear 00:31:33.040 --> 00:31:33.600 words of 00:31:33.600 --> 00:31:34.300 affirmation, 00:31:34.480 --> 00:31:34.900 words of 00:31:34.900 --> 00:31:35.480 encouragement, 00:31:35.820 --> 00:31:36.340 words of 00:31:36.340 --> 00:31:36.780 love, 00:31:36.779 --> 00:31:37.500 words that 00:31:37.500 --> 00:31:37.799 actually 00:31:37.799 --> 00:31:38.420 build them 00:31:38.420 --> 00:31:38.799 up. 00:31:40.359 --> 00:31:40.920 Not 00:31:40.920 --> 00:31:41.980 just 00:31:41.980 --> 00:31:43.399 negative, 00:31:44.359 --> 00:31:45.119 critical, 00:31:47.200 --> 00:31:47.660 correcting 00:31:47.660 --> 00:31:48.339 words. 00:31:49.339 --> 00:31:49.700 This is 00:31:49.700 --> 00:31:50.000 just an 00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:50.879 aside here. 00:31:52.619 --> 00:31:53.200 Unless you're 00:31:53.200 --> 00:31:53.639 a visitor, 00:31:53.759 --> 00:31:54.220 everybody here 00:31:54.220 --> 00:31:55.079 knows I'm a 00:31:55.079 --> 00:31:55.940 very conservative 00:31:55.940 --> 00:31:56.519 person. 00:31:58.519 --> 00:31:59.240 But I want 00:31:59.240 --> 00:31:59.720 to say to 00:31:59.720 --> 00:32:00.539 you who share 00:32:00.539 --> 00:32:01.379 my conservative 00:32:01.379 --> 00:32:02.160 views on 00:32:02.160 --> 00:32:03.580 most things. 00:32:05.640 --> 00:32:06.080 Don't 00:32:06.080 --> 00:32:09.140 just expose 00:32:09.140 --> 00:32:09.900 yourself 00:32:09.900 --> 00:32:11.920 to things 00:32:11.920 --> 00:32:12.920 like Fox 00:32:12.920 --> 00:32:14.180 News and 00:32:14.180 --> 00:32:14.920 other news 00:32:14.920 --> 00:32:17.000 sources that 00:32:17.000 --> 00:32:18.160 it's just a 00:32:18.160 --> 00:32:20.160 consistent, 00:32:20.960 --> 00:32:21.620 continuous 00:32:21.620 --> 00:32:22.640 barrage of 00:32:22.640 --> 00:32:23.340 negativity, 00:32:24.340 --> 00:32:26.040 of arguments, 00:32:27.180 --> 00:32:27.620 of tearing 00:32:27.620 --> 00:32:28.400 people down, 00:32:28.540 --> 00:32:29.380 tearing things 00:32:29.380 --> 00:32:29.700 down, 00:32:29.900 --> 00:32:30.560 and nothing 00:32:30.560 --> 00:32:31.160 good, 00:32:31.380 --> 00:32:31.780 nothing 00:32:31.780 --> 00:32:32.960 affirming 00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:34.540 is ever 00:32:34.540 --> 00:32:34.980 said. 00:32:36.380 --> 00:32:37.040 We don't 00:32:37.040 --> 00:32:37.360 need to 00:32:37.360 --> 00:32:37.900 expose 00:32:37.900 --> 00:32:38.560 ourselves to 00:32:38.560 --> 00:32:39.560 just constant 00:32:39.560 --> 00:32:40.580 criticism, 00:32:41.280 --> 00:32:42.600 judgmentalism 00:32:42.600 --> 00:32:44.440 about anything. 00:32:47.440 --> 00:32:48.660 What Swindoll 00:32:48.660 --> 00:32:49.360 says here 00:32:49.360 --> 00:32:51.180 is vitally 00:32:51.180 --> 00:32:51.680 important. 00:32:53.340 --> 00:32:54.180 Timing is 00:32:54.180 --> 00:32:54.620 important. 00:32:55.280 --> 00:32:56.200 Saying things 00:32:56.200 --> 00:32:57.039 in private 00:32:57.039 --> 00:32:57.920 is important. 00:32:59.340 --> 00:32:59.500 And there 00:32:59.500 --> 00:32:59.880 needs to be 00:32:59.880 --> 00:33:00.500 more words 00:33:00.500 --> 00:33:01.340 of affirmation 00:33:01.340 --> 00:33:02.080 and encouragement 00:33:02.080 --> 00:33:02.519 than there 00:33:02.519 --> 00:33:05.080 are criticism 00:33:05.080 --> 00:33:06.519 and correction. 00:33:08.240 --> 00:33:08.500 When you 00:33:08.500 --> 00:33:08.819 look at what 00:33:08.819 --> 00:33:09.539 Proverbs says 00:33:09.539 --> 00:33:10.080 about both 00:33:10.080 --> 00:33:10.759 positive and 00:33:10.759 --> 00:33:11.360 negative forms 00:33:11.360 --> 00:33:11.759 of teaching, 00:33:12.100 --> 00:33:12.700 there's one 00:33:12.700 --> 00:33:13.900 common requirement 00:33:13.900 --> 00:33:14.440 for teaching 00:33:14.440 --> 00:33:15.220 to be effective, 00:33:15.539 --> 00:33:15.940 and that is 00:33:15.940 --> 00:33:16.380 the person 00:33:16.380 --> 00:33:17.000 on the receiving 00:33:17.000 --> 00:33:18.140 end must be 00:33:18.140 --> 00:33:18.819 teachable, 00:33:19.700 --> 00:33:20.059 and that's 00:33:20.059 --> 00:33:20.299 where we're 00:33:20.299 --> 00:33:20.600 going to go 00:33:20.600 --> 00:33:21.340 next week. 00:33:22.400 --> 00:33:22.740 But the 00:33:22.740 --> 00:33:23.259 words of a 00:33:23.259 --> 00:33:24.140 godly teacher 00:33:24.140 --> 00:33:31.180 that is 00:33:31.180 --> 00:33:31.740 knowledgeable 00:33:31.740 --> 00:33:32.340 of God's 00:33:32.340 --> 00:33:32.680 word, 00:33:33.640 --> 00:33:34.240 that cares 00:33:34.240 --> 00:33:34.840 enough about 00:33:34.840 --> 00:33:35.360 us to 00:33:35.360 --> 00:33:36.880 speak up, 00:33:38.180 --> 00:33:38.560 speak the 00:33:38.560 --> 00:33:38.920 truth in 00:33:38.920 --> 00:33:39.360 love, 00:33:40.280 --> 00:33:40.640 you need to 00:33:40.640 --> 00:33:41.060 be thankful 00:33:41.060 --> 00:33:41.380 for. 00:33:42.380 --> 00:33:43.080 We need to 00:33:43.080 --> 00:33:43.440 learn to 00:33:43.440 --> 00:33:44.080 listen to 00:33:44.080 --> 00:33:44.300 them. 00:33:45.040 --> 00:33:45.380 We need to 00:33:45.380 --> 00:33:47.040 learn from 00:33:47.040 --> 00:33:47.920 their words. 00:33:49.040 --> 00:33:49.380 I just want 00:33:49.380 --> 00:33:49.780 to ask you, 00:33:49.880 --> 00:33:50.200 are you 00:33:50.200 --> 00:33:50.680 listening? 00:33:51.759 --> 00:33:52.240 Are you 00:33:52.240 --> 00:33:52.720 learning? 00:33:53.060 --> 00:33:53.540 Are you 00:33:53.540 --> 00:33:53.960 growing? 00:33:54.140 --> 00:33:55.000 Are you 00:33:55.000 --> 00:33:56.060 teachable? 00:33:57.520 --> 00:33:58.340 If you're not, 00:33:58.400 --> 00:33:58.680 I want to 00:33:58.680 --> 00:33:58.960 encourage you 00:33:58.960 --> 00:33:59.380 to start 00:33:59.380 --> 00:33:59.920 today, 00:34:00.220 --> 00:34:01.400 because we 00:34:01.400 --> 00:34:02.240 all need it. 00:34:03.080 --> 00:34:03.920 We also need 00:34:03.920 --> 00:34:04.520 to be such 00:34:04.520 --> 00:34:05.160 teachers in the 00:34:05.160 --> 00:34:05.820 lives of people 00:34:05.820 --> 00:34:06.280 that God's 00:34:06.280 --> 00:34:06.759 placed in our 00:34:06.759 --> 00:34:07.100 lives, 00:34:08.160 --> 00:34:08.619 especially those 00:34:08.619 --> 00:34:09.039 who are close 00:34:09.039 --> 00:34:09.539 to us, 00:34:10.940 --> 00:34:11.420 that we can 00:34:11.420 --> 00:34:12.400 have an 00:34:12.400 --> 00:34:12.980 influence on 00:34:12.980 --> 00:34:13.140 them, 00:34:13.700 --> 00:34:14.400 a positive 00:34:14.400 --> 00:34:14.920 influence, 00:34:15.400 --> 00:34:16.039 a godly 00:34:16.039 --> 00:34:16.519 influence. 00:34:17.740 --> 00:34:18.360 Are you 00:34:18.360 --> 00:34:18.880 seeking to do 00:34:18.880 --> 00:34:19.039 that? 00:34:19.099 --> 00:34:19.280 Are you 00:34:19.280 --> 00:34:19.640 seeking to be 00:34:19.640 --> 00:34:20.260 a wise 00:34:20.260 --> 00:34:22.039 counselor by 00:34:22.039 --> 00:34:22.760 thinking before 00:34:22.760 --> 00:34:23.340 you speak? 00:34:23.340 --> 00:34:24.980 And by 00:34:24.980 --> 00:34:25.519 making sure 00:34:25.519 --> 00:34:25.960 that your 00:34:25.960 --> 00:34:26.500 words are 00:34:26.500 --> 00:34:27.180 faithful to 00:34:27.180 --> 00:34:28.160 God's 00:34:28.160 --> 00:34:28.559 word, 00:34:29.720 --> 00:34:30.960 words matter. 00:34:32.600 --> 00:34:32.860 Your 00:34:32.860 --> 00:34:33.600 words matter. 00:34:33.880 --> 00:34:34.519 My words 00:34:34.519 --> 00:34:34.860 matter. 00:34:36.059 --> 00:34:36.600 And as we 00:34:36.600 --> 00:34:37.000 looked at 00:34:37.000 --> 00:34:37.740 every week, 00:34:38.780 --> 00:34:39.280 they're going 00:34:39.280 --> 00:34:39.620 to be brought 00:34:39.620 --> 00:34:39.880 up on 00:34:39.880 --> 00:34:40.500 judgment day. 00:34:41.360 --> 00:34:42.160 As Jesus 00:34:42.160 --> 00:34:42.600 said, 00:34:43.039 --> 00:34:43.880 I tell you, 00:34:44.140 --> 00:34:44.640 on the day 00:34:44.640 --> 00:34:45.260 of judgment, 00:34:45.680 --> 00:34:46.240 people will 00:34:46.240 --> 00:34:47.240 give account 00:34:47.240 --> 00:34:47.760 for every 00:34:47.760 --> 00:34:48.380 careless word 00:34:48.380 --> 00:34:48.940 they speak. 00:34:48.940 --> 00:34:50.240 for by your 00:34:50.240 --> 00:34:50.940 words you 00:34:50.940 --> 00:34:51.220 will be 00:34:51.220 --> 00:34:51.679 justified, 00:34:52.519 --> 00:34:53.159 and by your 00:34:53.159 --> 00:34:54.320 words you 00:34:54.320 --> 00:34:54.659 will be 00:34:54.659 --> 00:34:55.119 condemned. 00:34:55.840 --> 00:34:56.240 Let's pray 00:34:56.240 --> 00:34:56.539 together. 00:34:57.519 --> 00:34:58.019 Dear God, 00:34:58.900 --> 00:35:01.200 help us to 00:35:01.200 --> 00:35:01.800 see the 00:35:01.800 --> 00:35:02.579 importance 00:35:02.579 --> 00:35:05.119 of being 00:35:05.119 --> 00:35:05.679 faithful 00:35:05.679 --> 00:35:06.760 teachers. 00:35:10.200 --> 00:35:11.039 Help us to 00:35:11.039 --> 00:35:12.760 see that we 00:35:12.760 --> 00:35:13.280 need to 00:35:13.280 --> 00:35:13.920 pause, 00:35:15.860 --> 00:35:16.340 think, 00:35:16.340 --> 00:35:17.880 before we 00:35:17.880 --> 00:35:18.340 speak, 00:35:19.140 --> 00:35:20.059 and offer 00:35:20.059 --> 00:35:21.500 too much 00:35:21.500 --> 00:35:22.600 counsel. 00:35:24.480 --> 00:35:25.039 But dear God, 00:35:25.120 --> 00:35:26.519 help us to 00:35:26.519 --> 00:35:26.940 take what 00:35:26.940 --> 00:35:27.480 you've given 00:35:27.480 --> 00:35:29.160 us and pass 00:35:29.160 --> 00:35:29.640 it on to 00:35:29.640 --> 00:35:30.100 others. 00:35:31.980 --> 00:35:32.160 Lord, 00:35:32.200 --> 00:35:32.579 help us to 00:35:32.579 --> 00:35:33.280 be willing to 00:35:33.280 --> 00:35:33.780 do the hard 00:35:33.780 --> 00:35:35.600 things and 00:35:35.600 --> 00:35:36.280 even offer the 00:35:36.280 --> 00:35:36.800 constructive 00:35:36.800 --> 00:35:37.880 criticism. 00:35:39.079 --> 00:35:39.240 Lord, 00:35:39.340 --> 00:35:39.840 help every 00:35:39.840 --> 00:35:40.519 single one of 00:35:40.519 --> 00:35:40.880 us in this 00:35:40.880 --> 00:35:41.160 room to 00:35:41.160 --> 00:35:43.480 understand we 00:35:43.480 --> 00:35:43.980 need to hear 00:35:43.980 --> 00:35:44.220 it. 00:35:46.340 --> 00:35:48.860 help us to 00:35:48.860 --> 00:35:49.360 see that 00:35:49.360 --> 00:35:50.380 when those 00:35:50.380 --> 00:35:50.820 people you've 00:35:50.820 --> 00:35:51.140 put in our 00:35:51.140 --> 00:35:51.720 lives that we 00:35:51.720 --> 00:35:52.260 know love 00:35:52.260 --> 00:35:52.700 us, 00:35:53.700 --> 00:35:54.900 it's because 00:35:54.900 --> 00:35:55.660 they love us 00:35:55.660 --> 00:35:56.160 that they say 00:35:56.160 --> 00:35:56.960 such things. 00:35:57.880 --> 00:35:58.559 Help us to 00:35:58.559 --> 00:35:59.100 receive it 00:35:59.100 --> 00:35:59.460 well. 00:36:01.039 --> 00:36:01.600 And dear God, 00:36:02.180 --> 00:36:03.420 we ask that 00:36:03.420 --> 00:36:03.920 you would make 00:36:03.920 --> 00:36:06.120 it clear that 00:36:06.120 --> 00:36:06.780 as we speak 00:36:06.780 --> 00:36:07.200 about our 00:36:07.200 --> 00:36:07.780 words, 00:36:09.000 --> 00:36:10.039 they're just a 00:36:10.039 --> 00:36:10.640 reflection of 00:36:10.640 --> 00:36:12.059 what's within 00:36:12.059 --> 00:36:12.660 us, 00:36:13.220 --> 00:36:13.860 with who we 00:36:13.860 --> 00:36:14.220 are. 00:36:14.219 --> 00:36:16.000 And Lord, 00:36:16.059 --> 00:36:16.319 if there are 00:36:16.319 --> 00:36:16.639 people in 00:36:16.639 --> 00:36:17.239 this room that 00:36:17.239 --> 00:36:17.739 you have 00:36:17.739 --> 00:36:18.379 convicted, 00:36:19.259 --> 00:36:19.579 that they're 00:36:19.579 --> 00:36:20.119 not your 00:36:20.119 --> 00:36:20.559 child, 00:36:21.799 --> 00:36:22.239 it's not 00:36:22.239 --> 00:36:22.779 just their 00:36:22.779 --> 00:36:23.319 words, 00:36:23.719 --> 00:36:24.439 they know 00:36:24.439 --> 00:36:26.639 the Spirit 00:36:26.639 --> 00:36:27.099 of God does 00:36:27.099 --> 00:36:27.480 not live 00:36:27.480 --> 00:36:28.099 within them. 00:36:29.359 --> 00:36:29.659 Dear God, 00:36:29.719 --> 00:36:30.279 help them to 00:36:30.279 --> 00:36:30.779 be willing 00:36:30.779 --> 00:36:32.139 right now to 00:36:32.139 --> 00:36:32.939 admit that, 00:36:33.239 --> 00:36:33.919 to turn from 00:36:33.919 --> 00:36:34.519 their sin, 00:36:35.179 --> 00:36:36.480 to seek your 00:36:36.480 --> 00:36:36.980 forgiveness. 00:36:38.039 --> 00:36:38.379 Help them, 00:36:38.459 --> 00:36:38.699 dear God, 00:36:38.719 --> 00:36:39.059 to put their 00:36:39.059 --> 00:36:39.839 trust in Jesus 00:36:39.839 --> 00:36:40.339 that when he 00:36:40.339 --> 00:36:40.779 died on the 00:36:40.779 --> 00:36:41.059 cross, 00:36:41.899 --> 00:36:43.079 he paid the 00:36:43.079 --> 00:36:44.079 penalty for 00:36:44.079 --> 00:36:45.019 their sins. 00:36:45.819 --> 00:36:46.179 Help them 00:36:46.179 --> 00:36:46.759 right now to 00:36:46.759 --> 00:36:47.219 call upon 00:36:47.219 --> 00:36:47.599 Jesus, 00:36:48.619 --> 00:36:50.259 to be their 00:36:50.259 --> 00:36:50.599 Savior. 00:36:52.119 --> 00:36:52.460 Help them, 00:36:52.539 --> 00:36:52.799 dear God, 00:36:52.860 --> 00:36:53.259 to surrender 00:36:53.259 --> 00:36:53.719 their lives 00:36:53.719 --> 00:36:54.319 right now to 00:36:54.319 --> 00:36:55.559 him as 00:36:55.559 --> 00:36:55.960 Lord. 00:36:56.960 --> 00:36:57.340 And in an 00:36:57.340 --> 00:36:57.759 attitude of 00:36:57.759 --> 00:36:57.980 prayer, 00:36:58.079 --> 00:36:58.360 let's just 00:36:58.360 --> 00:36:59.039 respond to 00:36:59.039 --> 00:36:59.299 the Lord. 00:37:00.319 --> 00:37:00.940 I'll be here 00:37:00.940 --> 00:37:01.440 at the front 00:37:01.440 --> 00:37:02.139 and would be 00:37:02.139 --> 00:37:03.579 happy to 00:37:03.579 --> 00:37:04.239 pray with you, 00:37:04.360 --> 00:37:05.039 listen to you. 00:37:05.960 --> 00:37:06.239 You just 00:37:06.239 --> 00:37:06.980 respond as God 00:37:06.980 --> 00:37:08.159 speaks in the 00:37:08.159 --> 00:37:08.539 next few 00:37:08.539 --> 00:37:08.920 minutes. 00:37:08.920 --> 00:37:09.039 Amen. 00:37:09.039 --> 00:37:09.119 Amen. 00:37:09.119 --> 00:37:09.480 Amen. 00:37:09.480 --> 00:37:10.039 Amen. 00:37:10.039 --> 00:37:11.039 Amen. 00:37:11.039 --> 00:37:11.119 Amen. 00:37:11.119 --> 00:37:11.159 Amen. 00:37:11.159 --> 00:37:11.199 Amen. 00:37:11.199 --> 00:37:11.219 Amen. 00:37:11.219 --> 00:37:11.259 Amen. 00:37:11.259 --> 00:37:11.299 Amen. 00:37:11.299 --> 00:37:11.340 Amen. 00:37:11.340 --> 00:37:13.059 Amen.