Bible Study

Title: Responding to Public Swearing
Date: Aug 8, 2005
Topic(s): Speech/Words
Scripture: Proverbs 25:11-12, Proverbs 24:25, Colossians 4:6

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So you're in a public place, enjoying time with your family. But the people around you are making it difficult. Their speech is hardly what you want your kids hearing. Do you ignore it? Or ask them to have a little respect for those around them? It's a tough call because you could stir up trouble. Then again, it may just make others pay more attention to their actions.

What Does God Say?

Carefully consider both your words and your attitude as you approach other people. Proverbs 25:11-12 says,

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
in a setting of silver.
Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
is a wise reprover to a listening ear."

If you choose to say something, remember Proverbs 24:25:

"But those who reprove the wicked will have delight,
and a good blessing will come upon them."

My Thoughts

• How do you describe a "word fitly spoken"?
• What are some things you tend to say that may not be words "fitly spoken"?
• Jot down a couple comments you could use in this situation.
• What kind of attitude is more likely to win people over?

My Part

This is a moment when your children will learn more through your response than through your words. In fact, what they see you do probably teaches them more than what they hear from strangers. Your own words and your actions toward people in public and at home helps your family understand what's appropriate and the standards of speech you expect, no matter what they hear around them.

• Does your own example in speech and actions match what you're teaching your children?

Use Colossians 4:6 as a daily check for how you speak to others: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

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