Devotion by Tina Miller sermon by Rich Lanning
August 31, 2025
Gather
Bibles for each person able to read.
Introduction
Our church has been studying the book of Proverbs. Today we’re going on a treasure hunt to see what Proverbs and the Bible has to say about the way we use our words.
Looking into the scripture passage
Read each verse and match the reference on the left to the idea on the right.
Proverbs 25:11 Our words show what is in our hearts
Proverbs 15:28 Words of gossip are like a fire
Proverbs 12:18 Our words should build up others
Proverbs 16:24 Our words can hurt others or bring healing
Ephesians 4:29 Our words should be thoughtful instead of hasty
Luke 6:45 Our words can bring beauty to others
Apply the passage
Activity
Act out some typical scenarios where your children (and their parents!) might be tempted to speak in the wrong ways mentioned in the above passages. In each scene, act out both the right and the wrong response.
Pray
Lord, fill our hearts with your love so that our words give life to others and bring glory to you.
Memorize
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:11
Practice the verse
Draw a picture to illustrate the verse. Write out the words across the bottom of the page.
Extra Stuff
Seeing Jesus in the passage
Read: John 12:49-50 and John 6:68-69
Ask: What kind of words did Jesus speak?
How can you speak the same kind of words?
Dig Deeper (for older kids and parents)
Look at these examples of people’s words from Scripture and talk about which Proverb from the list above applies to the situation.
Read:
Judges 11:29-35
2 Samuel 9:1-7
Nehemiah 2:1-6
Matthew 5:33-37
Songs to sing
“O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” (traditional hymn)
