Week of August 18
Proverbs 10, 18
Opener
- What’s the most encouraging thing anyone ever said to you? Why did it stick with you?
Discussion
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and Proverbs 10 gives us wisdom on how to bring life with our words.
- Read Proverbs 10:11 & 20. What are some ways we can feed and nourish the people around us with our words?
- Read Proverbs 10:12. What would it look like to “cover all offenses” in your family? In your workplace? In our church? What makes that so difficult for us?
- Read Proverbs 10:13-14. Our words lack discernment when we say whatever’s on our mind, which can be unthinkingly positive or unthinkingly negative. How could we cause damage being unthinkingly positive (as in Proverbs 24:24 – saying to the guilty they are innocent)?
- How can we cause damage being unthinkingly negative (as in Proverbs 24:25-26 – sharing truth with someone without “kissing” them and adjusting to them)?
- Read Proverbs 10:18. Why do we enjoy listening to and spreading slander and gossip?
- Read Proverbs 10:19. What’s one example of a time when you said something and then wished you hadn’t?
Action Step
- Who is one person in your life who you could nourish with your words this week? How will you do that?