Wisdom and the Tongue (James 1-5)
Speaking Truth
1. The purpose of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:1-6)
2. The Foundation for Wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)
3. An Overview of Wisdom (Proverbs 1-9)
4. Wisdom and the Tongue (various verses)
* Speaking Truth (James 3:1-5; Proverbs 12:22)
I. The Abomination of Lies (Proverbs 12:22)
A. Other Terms for Lying
1. Deceit (Proverbs 12:17)
2. Froward (Proverbs 2:11-15)
B. Specific Examples of Lying (Proverbs 25:13-14)
1. False Promises (Proverbs 25:14)
2. False Witness (Proverbs 19:5, 9)
3. Flattery (Proverbs 28:23; 29:5; Proverbs 26:22-26; 29:5)
Psalm 55:21 “The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.”
C. The Consequences for Lying
1. Emptiness (Proverbs 12:19; 20:17; 21:6)
2. A Trap (Proverbs 19:5)
3. Hurt of Others (25:18; 26:28)
4. Destruction (Proverbs 19:9; 21:28)
D. God’s View of Lying: It is an abomination (Leviticus 18)
II. The Delight in Truthfulness (Proverbs 12:22)
A. Other Terms for Truthfulness
1. Faithfulness (Proverbs 14:5)
2. Righteousness (Proverbs 12:17)
B. Specific Examples of Truthfulness
1. Faithfulness to promises (Proverbs 6:1-5)
2. True Witness (Proverbs 14:25)
3. Open Rebuke (Proverbs 27:5-6)
Leviticus 19:17-18 “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
4. Justice (Proverbs 29:14)
C. Rewards for Truthfulness
1. Deliverance of others (Proverbs 14:25)
2. Establishment (Proverbs 12:19; 20:28; 29:14)
3. Trustworthiness (Proverbs 14:5)
4. Being Loved (Proverbs 16:13)
D. God’s view of Truthfulness : He delights in it (Proverbs 12:22)