10/17/2026
Join us broadcasting on Facebook from 411 Gilbert Lane, Gladys, VA, on this page for On The Wall E-Ministries Sunday School at 9:00 am & Worship Hour at 9:30 am each Sunday morning followed by Holy Communion on 1st Sundays. You can also follow us later on YouTube & Spotify, our “On The Wall Ministries page”, or our renewed “Faith, Food, & Fitness” page for reels, classes, lessons and sermons.
For Sunday School follow along with the Union Gospel Press Adult Quarterly below:
“A Soft Answer over Wrath!”
Lesson Text:
Proverbs 15:1-15
Related Scriptures:
Proverbs 17:22-28; James 1:19-27; 3:1-12; 1 Samuel 15:12-23; Psalm 69:30-36
SCRIPTURE LESSON TEXT:
PROV. 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. 5 A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. 10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. 11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? 12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. 13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
Introduction:
Throughout this quarter, we have seen the way of wisdom contrasted with the way of folly. As we continue this unit, “The Way of the Wise,” today’s lesson, “A Soft Answer over Wrath,” addresses the importance of how we use our words. The wise both speak carefully and listen humbly to receive correction from others, whereas the fool speaks rashly and refuses to listen to others. Our words can do great harm to both ourselves and others. Alternatively, they can also accomplish tremendous good. Because our words are so powerful, they are worth careful consideration.
LESSON OUTLINE:
1. THE POWER OF SPEECH—Prov. 15:1-4
2. THE VALUE OF WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING—Prov. 15:5-7
3. THE ROLE OF THE HEART AND ATTITUDE—Prov. 15:8-11
4. THE IMPACT OF JOY AND SORROW—Prov. 15:12-15
Preparing to Teach the Lesson:
Our studies in the way of the wise have directed our thinking to how wisdom relates to our strengths, abilities, and finances. In this lesson, we consider how wisdom relates to our words. We speak thousands of words a day, so this study is especially relevant. In fact, how we use our words may be the best indicator of spiritual maturity, as we read in James 3:2: “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect [mature] man.”
TODAY’S AIMS:
Facts: to understand the ways we can use our words for good or for harm.
Principle: to recognize that our words have great impact on others around us.
Application: to speak words of gentleness and encouragement to people.
INTRODUCING THE LESSON:
How many words does the average person speak in a day? Interestingly, people have performed studies on that question. A person who speaks for a living will use more words than others, but we are considering here the average person. Does anyone want to take a guess? (Allow for response.) We are probably safe in saying that most people, men and women, speak at least seven thousand words a day. Since we speak so much each day, we need to be careful of what we say, for we are accountable for “every idle word” (Matt. 12:36). In our study today from Proverbs 15, Solomon contrasted those who use their words wisely with those who do not.
CONCLUDING THE LESSON:
Let us return to the thoughts of verses 13-15. We should strive to be people of a merry heart, but we want to focus today on how we can use our words to help other people have merry hearts. And here we are not talking about mere outward happiness but about true inner joy. We encounter people (even our Christian friends) who are discouraged and need a joy-filled word from us to lift their spirits and make their hearts merry. What words can we share with others to brighten their spirits? (Allow for response. They may suggest a promise from Scripture, an assurance of prayer, a shared story of overcoming a similar challenge, and simply a friendly greeting with a smile.) We all can recall how the Lord has used people in our lives to encourage us. We can then mirror to others what those people did for us. Let us use our words to encourage others, so that they too can have merry hearts.
ANTICIPATING THE NEXT LESSON:
The Bible makes a strong connection between wisdom and meekness, and we shall see the connection next week.
PRACTICAL POINTS:
1. By speaking gently and wisely, we can avoid stirring up trouble for ourselves (Prov. 15:1-2).
2. We should always act wisely, for God sees all, even our hearts (vss. 3, 11).
3. Wholesome speech is life-giving, so watch how you speak (vs. 4).
4. Those who learn from instruction are wise (vs. 5).
5. Righteousness has practical blessings in this life (vs. 6).
6. The Lord loves the righteous but is angered by hypocritical wickedness (vss. 7-9).
7. If we arrogantly refuse to learn from others, we are foolish and will suffer (vss. 10-12).
8. The attitude of our hearts affects the way we experience our outward circumstances (vss. 13-15).
9. The wise will seek to grow even wiser; the foolish are content with folly.
Heart of the Lesson:
God prioritizes the use of words. Creation became reality through God speaking (cf. Gen. 1:3). His written Word is truth, revealing His mind and will in the Old and New Testaments. Christ is the living Word of God in the flesh (cf. John 1:1-14). Since God uses words, we can imagine the importance of words themselves.
Unsurprisingly, God stresses the importance of the words we use as humans created in His image. The apostle James described the tongue as small but mighty. Like the rudder of a ship, it sets our direction. It can also bring destruction, like an out-of-control fire (cf. Jas. 3:1-12). Tongues can bless or curse.
The words that the tongue speaks reveal the depth of the heart. This lesson explores the importance of using words that nourish healthy relationships (Prov. 15:1-15).
1. Treat others with kindness (Prov. 15:1-5). A “soft” answer is kindly given in gentleness (vs. 1). Nonverbal cues such as tone, pitch, and delivery should display mastery over one’s passions and carefully express what one knows (vss. 2,7). The wise person is quick to listen and slow to speak (cf. Jas. 1:19). However, the foolish stir up ill feelings, conflicts, and divisions through harsh tones and angry words. Being aware that God is watchful of how we treat one another (Prov. 15:3) should prompt wholesome words that heal (vs. 4). Such words are like a tree of life for relationships. The wise person actively listens, speaks, and graciously receives correction (vs. 5). In this way, the wise person spreads wisdom.
2. Make sure to tend to deeper issues before you speak (Prov. 15:6-12). In contrast to godly knowledge, wickedness yields the revenue of massive troubles (vss. 6-7,15). Hypocritical religious service without a heart of love and obedience is an abomination to the Lord (vss. 8-9). The foolish forsake the right way, hate correction, and scoff at righteousness (vss. 10-12). Leaving spiritual issues unattended leads people down destructive paths. In contrast, the wise understand that life’s mysteries and the heart’s secrets are ever before the Lord (vs. 11). Knowing that the Lord sees the heart, the wise person closely monitors its activity. In contrast, the scoffer hates correction (vs. 12).
The church uniquely shapes culture by teaching people to communicate morally, clearly, and effectively. Discipleship promotes Christian growth by replacing destructive attitudes and behaviors with words and actions that honor God.
3. Set a nourishing table of gracious kindness (Prov. 15:13-15). Your words are like a feast. One’s countenance and nonverbal communication adorn the table with the intention of the heart. Encouraging others and speaking God’s truth can bless others, whereas speaking wicked foolishness can lead others astray and hurt them. MSadness is inevitable in life. Still, the full measure of Christ sustains believers in difficulties (cf. John 17:13). His joy strengthens the weary. His gracious words to us and our gracious words to others act like a soothing, healing medicine (cf. Prov. 17:22).
CHILDREN’S CORNER:
Children can be brutally honest with their words, which sometimes can be hurtful. They also need to learn to filter the thoughts that come out of their mouths. Focus on the key theme of choosing kind words and actions. Teach children to respond kindly and respectfully even when they are upset. Help them understand that words have power and can either calm people down or make them angry. You may want to practice with them how to think and pray before speaking in difficult situations.
