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Bible Studies | Dealing with Depression

Speaking with Godly Words

by Nancy I. Sanders


“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” - Titus 2:11-12, NIV

1. When you read Scriptures about godly living, what people come to your mind as examples of those who live godly lives?


a. What qualities do you admire most about these people?


b. How would you describe the words these people use when they speak, the way they speak to others, or the way they speak about others?


2. The Bible gives us a lot of advice about the words we choose and the way we speak. What does Proverbs 16:23 state about the source of godly people’s words and the type of words they speak?


3. What do Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 10:19 suggest we need in our lives if we want to speak godly words?


4. In Proverbs 12:18, the Bible gives us a visual example of how powerful our words can be. “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Below is a list of different people in our lives. Using a number between 1 and 5, indicate whether your words tend to pierce or bring healing to the person you’re speaking with. (1 means pierce, 5 means healing)

____Husband/boyfriend

____Children

____Parents

____Neighbors

____Kids/Teens on street

____Co-workers

____Church members

____Someone at your door

____Friends

____Cashier/sales clerks

____Strangers

____Phone sales reps.


5. What does Proverbs 16:24 say about words spoken with wisdom?


6. The words we choose to speak will produce fruit in our lives, whether it be rotten and bug-infested fruit, or healthy and nourishing fruit. Proverbs 12:14 states, “From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.” Prayerfully reflect on the list in #4. Think of the people you rated with a 3 or less. For each of the fruits of the Spirit listed below, write down one specific thing you can do to change how you speak with one of these people so that the fruit can be evident in your life.

Galatians 5:22-23

LOVE-

JOY-

PEACE-

PATIENCE-

KINDNESS-

GOODNESS-

FAITHFULNESS-

GENTLENESS-

SELF-CONTROL-

7. The words that we listen to also work their way into our hearts and influence the way we speak with others. Read Proverbs 22:17 aloud. Then list things that you listen to or read that have a negative influence on the way you speak. Also write down things that you can listen to or read that have a positive, godly influence on your words:

Negative Influence


Positive influence


8. Pray and ask God to help you lessen the negative influence and increase the positive influence of words in your life. What one practical step can you take this week to do this?


9. What advice does Proverbs 4:4-5 give us for today?


10. John 1:1-5 tells us that Jesus is the Word. What lessons can we learn about the words we use when we consider Jesus and the way he spoke with other people? Find Scripture to support your conclusions. Samples of Scripture include: Matthew 20:20-28 (The Disciples), Luke 10:38-42 (Mary and Martha), John 4:4-42 (Woman at the Well), John 18:4-9 (At His Arrest), Luke 23:32-34 (On the Cross).


Dear Father, So often I speak too quickly or let my emotions control the way I speak. Please help me be more aware of my choice of words and the way I speak to others. Please work in my heart to fill it with your living Word so that I can reflect your love to the people in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.