1. Proverbs 25:11

2. 2 Parts  We often talk about how the use of the tongue is misused and sinful  Today – The good use of the tongue  Colossians 4:6  Colossians 4:6 - Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

3. Apples of Gold  Proverbs 25:11  Proverbs 25:11 - A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In pictures of silver. (KJV)

4. A Word Fitly Spoken will:  Speak the Truth  All other categories are affected by this  If it is not the truth – nothing is fitly spoken  Truth is Essential for:  Fellowship with GodPsalm 15:1-2  Fellowship with God – Psalm 15:1-2 – 1 LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? 2 He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart;

5. A Word Fitly Spoken will:  Speak the Truth  Truth is Essential for:  Righteousness – Proverbs 12:17, 19 -  Righteousness – Proverbs 12:17, 19 - 17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit. 19 The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

6. A Word Fitly Spoken will:  Speak the Truth  Truth is Essential for:  Being Acceptable – Ecclesiasties 12:10 -  Being Acceptable – Ecclesiasties 12:10 - The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright—words of truth.

7. A Word Fitly Spoken will:  Speak the Truth  Truth is Essential Because it is:  Demanded – Ephesians 4:15 -  Demanded – Ephesians 4:15 - but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ

8. A Word Fitly Spoken will:  Utter Praise  Anytime – Psalm 34:1 -  Anytime – Psalm 34:1 - I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  To Set Example – Psalm 40:3  To Set Example – Psalm 40:3 - He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.

9. A Word Fitly Spoken will:  Utter Praise  Daily – Psalm 71:8 -  Daily – Psalm 71:8 - Let my mouth be filled with Your praise And with Your glory all the day.  Among the People of God – Psalm 109:30 -  Among the People of God – Psalm 109:30 - I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; Yes, I will praise Him among the multitude.

10. A Word Fitly Spoken will:  Reflect Good Judgment  We do this by bridling our tongue  Psalm 39:1 -  Psalm 39:1 - I said, “I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, While the wicked are before me.”  James 1:26  James 1:26 - If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.

11. A Word Fitly Spoken will:  Reflect Good Judgment  We do this by bridling our tongue  Proverbs 10:19 –  Proverbs 10:19 – In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

12. A Word Fitly Spoken will:  Reflect Good Judgment  We do this by speaking wisely  Psalm 37:30 -  Psalm 37:30 - The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, And his tongue talks of justice.  Proverbs 10:13a  Proverbs 10:13a - Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding,  James 3:13  James 3:13 - Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

13. A Word Fitly Spoken will:  Edify  Proverbs 10:11a -  Proverbs 10:11a - The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, Proverbs 10:20-21a -  Proverbs 10:20-21a - The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many,  Proverbs 16:24 -  Proverbs 16:24 - Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

14. A Word Fitly Spoken will:  Edify  Ephesians 4:29 -  Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.  Our words should build up, strengthen, support, encourage, - EDIFY.

15. A Word Fitly Spoken will:  Speak the Truth  Utter Praise  Reflect Good Judgment  Edify

16. CONCLUSION  Let us speak the truth with our neighbor  Use your tongue for good  End with something to think about:  Matthew 12:36-37 -  Matthew 12:36-37 -. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”