Presented this week by Ryan Ingram from his new series Generous: It’s Not What You Think. Contact Ryan at [email protected]. (This post will be updated when this week’s podcast is available to listen.)
Generosity is not contingent on your circumstances but a condition of the heart.
No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.
For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
— Luke 6:43-45
Diagnostic Question: What spills out when you are bumped?
A Generous Heart When Bumped Understands:
When Silence is Bliss
- A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Proverbs 17:27
- Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent and discerning if he holds his tongue. Proverbs 17:28
Thought-Less Words
- Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 20:20
- When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Proverbs 10:19
Prideful Words
- Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2
- A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. Proverbs 18:2
Gossip Words
- Without wood a fire goes out, without gossip a quarrel dies down. Proverbs 26:20
Lying Words
- A lying tongue hates those it hurts and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:28
Listening Is Better Than Words
- He who listens Yo a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. Proverbs 15:21
When Speaking Is Powerful
- Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24
- The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
A Loving Rebuke
- Better is an open rebuke than hidden love. Proverbs 27:5
- He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue. Proverbs 28:23
A Specific Encourgement
- A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of sliver. Proverbs 25:11
A Gentle Response
- A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
A Just Fight
- Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9