What is Acceptable Prov. 10:32 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

Prov 10:32 says, “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable…”  It’s like the righteous have a filter between their brain and their mouth that governs what comes out of their mouth.  Today we want to talk about what is acceptable so that when you speak your speech will be pleasing to God.  What is acceptable:

Wisdom – Prov 10:31 good counsel and wisdom and not foolishness are acceptable.  And don’t give all the wisdom that you know but just what they need to know in counsel.  Leave them hungry for more.

Oracles – 1 Pet 4:11 – scripture is acceptable.  And be sure to quote it correctly.  The corrupters, those who wrest the scripture, and the devil misquote it.

Nothing – Lk 23:9; Prov 17:28 – sometimes it is best to say nothing at all.  Don’t argue when you are mad, don’t get into a verbal rock fight and don’t pick up the bait and respond when someone is trying to catch you in an argument.  And if you don’t know an answer say, “I don’t know,” or you will end up looking like a fool.

Truth – Eph 4:25 – put away lying.  Lying is not acceptable.  Be absolutely truthful in dealing with others.  So, flattery, boasting and hypocrisy are not acceptable.  The short answer is the best answer.  And don’t repeat stories that are not absolutely true (verify them first).

Reproof – Prov 25:12; Prov 27:5 – reproof is acceptable.  And make sure to reprove before you compliment someone.  Otherwise, every time you compliment someone they are going to duck to avoid the reproof that they expect is coming.

Purity – Eph 4:29; 1 Tim 4:12 – no corrupt communication is acceptable.  Therefore, use no profanity; tell no dirty jokes.

Thanksgiving – Eph 5:3-4 – every opportunity that you have to thank someone you should do so.  And you should continually thank the Lord (this is the will of God).

Praise – Heb 13:15 – every time God does something good in your life, he ought to be praised and others ought to know about it.

Conclusion: You know these things are acceptable, so develop the habit of speaking these things!