Speech in Community: Proverbs 11:9-15, Initial Outline

[Lord willing, I will be teaching from Proverbs 11:9-15 this Wednesday night at Kosmosdale Baptist Church. Below is my initial outline in studying through the text.]

I.      Slander (v. 9)

A.   The Destructive Speech of the Godless (v. 9a)

B.    The Knowledgeable Speech of the Righteous (v. 10b)

II.    Rejoicing (v. 10)

A.   Rejoicing With the Victorious Righteous (v. 10a)

B.    Rejoicing Over the Defeated Wicked (v. 10b)

III.  Blessing/Cursing (v. 11)

A.   Blessing of the Righteous, Which Exalts a City (v. 11a)

B.    Curses of the Wicked, Which Destroy a City (v. 11b)

IV. Silence: A Blessing or a Curse

A.   Complaining/Silence (v. 12)

1.     Senseless Complaining About Neighbors (v. 12a)

2.     Silence Concerning Others’ Perceived Faults (v. 12b)

B.    Talebearing/Silence (v. 13)

1.     The Untrustworthy Reveal Secrets (v. 13a)

2.     The Trustworthy Keep Appropriate Confidence (v. 13b)

C.    Counsel (v. 14)

1.     Lack of Counsel Results in Destruction (v. 14a)

2.     An Abundance of Counsel Promotes Victory (v. 14b)

D.   Guarantee (v. 15)

1.     Guaranteeing the Character of a Stranger Leads to Suffering (v. 15a)

2.     Refusing to Offer a Guarantee for Others Promotes Peace (v. 15b)