11-05-2025 PART 3: Speak Life, Not Defeat

Section 1
The lesson opens with an exchange between Ahab, King of Israel, and Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, found in First Kings 22:4–8. When Ahab asks Jehoshaphat to join him in battle, Jehoshaphat wisely insists they first seek the counsel of the Lord. This shows discernment, a key difference between acting in human impulse and waiting for divine direction. Yet even when the prophets speak favorably, Jehoshaphat discerns something missing and asks for a true prophet of the Lord. Ahab admits he despises Micaiah because he never prophesies good about him. That attitude reveals a problem still common today—people often resist truth that confronts their comfort. The teaching transitions into the concept that words can trap us, as Proverbs 6:1–2 explains: “You have been trapped by what you said.” Words carry spiritual weight, and careless speech can ensnare us long after it leaves our lips.

Section 2
The message moves from the kings to the prophets Jeremiah and Moses, who both initially resisted God’s call by focusing on their inadequacies. In Jeremiah 1:4–8, God corrects the young prophet, saying, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’” God instructs him to speak only what He commands and to reject self-defeating language. Likewise, Moses’ reluctance to speak displeased God. The teaching urges believers not to echo the lies of the enemy by speaking negativity over themselves. Each believer is redeemed by the same price—the blood of Jesus—and must learn to speak as children of the Most High God. As Second Corinthians 4:13 declares, “I believed, therefore I have spoken.” Faith-filled words align us with divine truth, while words of defeat empower the enemy. When we belittle ourselves, we insult God’s workmanship, for He created and redeemed us for victory through His Son.

Section 3
The lesson concludes with a reminder that both self-talk and speech toward others must reflect the heart of God. Ephesians 4:29 commands believers to speak words that build up rather than tear down. Proverbs 25:11 adds that the right word, spoken at the right time, is as valuable as “apples of gold in settings of silver.” The teacher warns that we can injure others—or ourselves—by careless speech, but we can also bring healing and encouragement when we speak life. God’s own words create life, and as His children, we are called to mirror that creative power. Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and wise believers will choose words that reflect love, truth, and grace. Speaking words of faith shapes eternity, while winning arguments or self-condemnation serve only the flesh. God calls His people to speak with wisdom, love, and life—toward others and toward themselves—because every word reveals whose voice we follow.