This educational document (including all …...Who Do You Sound Like? Day 1 – Your Mouth Matters Your mouth matters to God. So often we say what we think or feel without much thought

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Who Do You Sound Like?Day 1 – Your Mouth MattersDay 2 – The Power of the TongueDay 3 – Do You Sound Wise?Day 4 – Do You Sound Foolish?Day 5 – Do You Sound Righteous?Day 6 – Do You Sound Wicked?Day 7 – Do You Sound Froward & Perverse?

Dos and Don’tsDay 8 – Slow Down!Day 9 – Don’t Talk So Much!Day 10 – Tell The Truth!Day 11 – Edify & Help Others!Day 12 – Avoid, Avoid, Avoid!Day 13 – Talk About This!Day 14 – Put It Into Practice!

Conflict & ContentionDay 15 – Common Causes Day 16 – Negative Effects Day 17 – Resolving ConflictDay 18 – Eliminating ConflictDay 19 – Mark & Avoid - The ScornerDay 20 – Mark & Avoid - The SlandererDay 21 – Mark & Avoid - The Talebearer

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[1] The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; [2] To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of un-derstanding; [3] To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; [4] To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. [5] A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: [6] To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. [7] The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction. [8] My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: [9] For they [shall be] an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. [10] My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. [11] If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the

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Study NotesStudy the Topic & Focus Scriptures. What did you gain from each passage?

Focus DefinitionsLook for Key Words in the Passages, then look up their Definitions.

Word Strongs # Hebrew Word/ Greek Word

Number of times used in the Bible

DefinitionsEnglish Word

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Focus Scriptures: ☐ Proverbs 13:3 ☐ Proverbs 18:20-21 ☐ Psalms 141:3 ☐ Matthew 12:34-37

Who Do You Sound Like?Who Do You Sound Like?Day 1 – Your Mouth Matters

Your mouth matters to God. So often we say what we think or feel without much thought or consideration but the words of our mouth matter to God, and greatly impact those around us. The psalmist said “I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.” (Psalm 39:1). We must resolve like David to consider and control what comes out of our mouths.

Food For Thought

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Note To SelfEncourage Yourself from What You’ve Learned

Self Evaluation AssessmentLet’s evaluate the current state of your mouth. This is between you and God, and we’ll do it again after this study. Below are some key areas to pay attention to and work on. For each, honestly assess how often that statement applies to you.

Why does your mouth matter?

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Which scripture stands out to you? Why?

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reflection QuestionsAnswer the Questions Below.


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Who Do You Sound Like?Who Do You Sound Like?Day 2 – The Power of the Tongue

Focus Scriptures: ☐ James 3:1-18

Have you ever seen a fire? It may start with a small spark but it’s heat and intensity can quickly spread, build, and explode. In James 3, the tongue is repeatedly compared to fire. Though the tongue is small, a wise man has to take heed and manage it appropriately or suffer the fiery consequences. Today let’s explore what the scripture says about the tongue, its power, and the wisdom that comes from above.

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What does this chapter teach us about the mouth & wisdom? Which verse

or point stands out to you?

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Why is this so important and helpful to remember?

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How can this truth help me now as I deal with my mouth & seek wisdom from above?

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Who Do You Sound Like?Who Do You Sound Like?Day 3 – Do You Sound Wise?

Focus Scriptures: ☐ Proverbs 10:19 ☐ Proverbs 12:18 ☐ Proverbs 14:3 ☐ Proverbs 15:2 ☐ Proverbs 15:7 ☐ Proverbs 16:23 ☐ Ecclesiastes 9:17 ☐ Ecclesiastes 10:12 ☐ Ecclesiastes 12:11 ☐ Proverbs 31:26

Do you sound wise? The words that come out of our mouths can be an indicator of where we are at. In Proverbs and Ecclesiastes the Bible lets us know what a wise person does with his lips, and how their words sound and impact others. As we strive to grow in wisdom, the Word gives us a standard by which to measure ourselves, a mirror to honestly examine ourselves, and a yardstick to measure our progress.

Food For Thought

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What should you work on or remember going forward?

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reflection QuestionsFill in the table: How do wise people sound? What characteristics did you find in the verses?

Proverbs 10:19

Proverbs 12:18

Proverbs 14:3

Proverbs 15:2

Proverbs 15:7

Proverbs 16:23

Ecclesiastes 9:17

Ecclesiastes 10:12

Ecclesiastes 12:11

Proverbs 31:26

Note To SelfEncourage Yourself from What You’ve

Learned


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Who Do You Sound Like?Who Do You Sound Like?Day 4 – Do You Sound Foolish?

Focus Scriptures: ☐ Proverbs 10:14, 18 ☐ Proverbs 14:3, 7 ☐ Proverbs 15:2, 14 ☐ Proverbs 17:28 ☐ Proverbs 18:6-7 ☐ Proverbs 23:9 ☐ Proverbs 26:7, 9 ☐ Ecclesiastes 10:12-14

No one wants to be a fool, yet sometimes what comes out of our mouth is what the scripture would de-scribe as foolish. As we explore the verses on the mouth of the foolish, look through the lens of an honest and humble heart at what God says. If you find that you have ever sounded foolish, this is an awesome opportunity to thank a merciful God for understanding and repent, grow, and change.

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reflection QuestionsFill in the table: How do foolish people sound? What characteristics did you find in the verses?

Proverbs 10:14

Proverbs 10:18

Proverbs 14:3

Proverbs 14:7

Proverbs 15:2

Proverbs 15:14

Proverbs 17:28

Proverbs 18:6

Proverbs 18:7

Proverbs 23:9

Proverbs 26:7, 9

Ecclesiastes 10:12-14

Pick a verse and write how you can apply it to your life.

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Learned


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Who Do You Sound Like?Who Do You Sound Like?Day 5 – Do You Sound Righteous?

Focus Scriptures: ☐ Proverbs 10:11, 20-21, 31-32 ☐ Proverbs 12:6 ☐ Proverbs 15:28 ☐ Proverbs 16:13

For anyone who wants to be righteous and pleasing to God, it is exciting to learn what wisdom says about the mouth of the righteous. As we look in the Word of God, it gives us goals to work toward and promises to hold to as the righteous in this day. Let’s strive to look and sound more and more like God everyday.

Food For Thought

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reflection QuestionsFill in the table: How do righteous people sound? What characteristics did you find in the verses?

Proverbs 10:20

Proverbs 10:21

Proverbs 10:31

Proverbs 10:32

Proverbs 12:6

Proverbs 15:28

Proverbs 16:13

Pick a Bible character whose words displayed they were righteous. Write how that can apply to your life.

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Who Do You Sound Like?Who Do You Sound Like?Day 6 – Do You Sound Wicked?

Focus Scriptures: ☐ Proverbs 10:11, 32 ☐ Proverbs 11:11 ☐ Proverbs 12:6,13 ☐ Proverbs 15:28 ☐ Proverbs 16:27 ☐ Proverbs 17:4 ☐ Proverbs 19:28 ☐ Proverbs 24:1-2

There is and always has been a difference between the righteous and the wicked, the godly and the un-godly. That difference is evident in what we do, how we live, and what we say. Proverbs does a great job contrasting the two, and lets us know the behaviors of the wicked, the topics they talk about, and the fruit they bear. Let’s gain understanding, correct any areas we have fallen short, and work to portray righteous-ness and godliness in our words and actions.

Food For Thought

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reflection QuestionsFill in the table: How do wicked people sound? What characteristics did you find in the verses?

Proverbs 10:11

Proverbs 10:32

Proverbs 11:11

Proverbs 12:6

Proverbs 12:13

Proverbs 15:28

Proverbs 16:27

Proverbs 17:4

Proverbs 19:28

Proverbs 24:1-2

Pick a Bible character whose words displayed they were wicked. Write what you can learn from that.

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Learned


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Who Do You Sound Like?Who Do You Sound Like?Day 7 – Do You Sound Froward & Perverse?

Focus Scriptures: ☐ Proverbs 4:24 ☐ Proverbs 6:12 ☐ Proverbs 8:8, 13 ☐ Proverbs 10:31-32 ☐ Proverbs 15:4 ☐ Proverbs 17:20 ☐ Proverbs 19:1

Froward and perverse are not words we use a lot these days, but in Proverbs these are two categories that God clearly frowns upon. They both speak of disobedience, crookedness, opposing what’s right, and turning from what’s good. Today, let’s explore the froward and perverse mouth and make sure with our hearts, mouths, and actions we line up with God’s word and forever run toward Him.

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Have you ever heard someone who was froward and/or perverse? How did

the conversation sound?

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reflection QuestionsFill in the table: How do froward & perverse people sound? What characteristics did you find in the verses?

Proverbs 4:24

Proverbs 6:12

Proverbs 8:8

Proverbs 8:13

Proverbs 10:31

Proverbs 10:32

Proverbs 15:4

Proverbs 17:20

Proverbs 19:1


[1] The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; [2] To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of un-derstanding; [3] To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; [4] To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. [5] A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: [6] To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. [7] The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction. [8] My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: [9] For they [shall be] an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. [10] My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. [11] If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: [12] Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: [13] We shall

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Dos and don’ts Dos and don’ts Day 8 – Slow Down!

Focus Scriptures: ☐ Proverbs 15:28 ☐ Proverbs 29:11 ☐ Proverbs 29:20 ☐ Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

☐ James 1:19-20

We live in a day where so many things are quick and immediate, and too often with our mouths we hurry to reply to people and respond to situations. We jump to conclusions and are angry in a moment. SLOW DOWN! There are so many benefits of pausing before saying something and waiting before opening our mouth. Being slow to speak can help you avoid problems in every area of your life.

Food For Thought

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What are the benefits of being slow to speak? Share from the Word of God, experience, and observation.

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What problems arise when we are NOT slow to speak? Share from the Word of God, experience, and observation.

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Dos and don’ts Dos and don’ts Day 9 – Don’t Talk So Much!

Focus Scriptures: ☐ Proverbs 10:19 ☐ Proverbs 13:3 ☐ Proverbs 17:27-28 ☐ Proverbs 21:23

☐ Proverbs 29:11 ☐ Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Has talking too much ever caused you problems? Whether saying the wrong thing or talking to the wrong people, there is so much wisdom in talking less, hearing more, and thinking before you speak. Even though we live in a time where people think they can say whatever they want to anybody, believe the Bible, heed wisdom, and control your mouth!

Food For Thought

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What are the benefits of talking less? Share from the Word of God, ex-perience, and observation.

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What are the consequences of talking too much? Share from the Word of God, experience, and observation.

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Dos and don’ts Dos and don’ts Day 10 –Tell The Truth!

Focus Scriptures: ☐ Proverbs 12:19, 22 ☐ Proverbs 17:4, 7 ☐ Proverbs 21:6 ☐ Proverbs 24:28

☐ Proverbs 26:24-26, 28 ☐ Proverbs 6:16-19 ☐ Proverbs 10:18 ☐ Ephesians 4:25

Lying may seem easy in the moment, but we can see in scriptures and our lives, how a little lie can lead to major problems. We must strive to tell the truth, be honest, and avoid deception in our thoughts, words, and actions. Today we’ll look at some of the scriptures in Proverbs about a lying tongue, the problems with it, and what God feels about it.

Food For Thought

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What are the benefits of telling the truth? Share from the Word of God, experience, and observation.

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What are the consequences of lying? Share from the Word of God, expe-rience, and observation.

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Dos and don’ts Dos and don’ts Day 11 – Edify & Help Others!

Focus Scriptures: ☐ Proverbs 15:4 ☐ Proverbs 16:24 ☐ Ephesians 4:29 ☐ Proverbs 26:28

☐ Proverbs 27:5-6 ☐ Proverbs 28:23

Have you ever been in a conversation that made you feel discouraged, heavy, or upset? On the other end of the spectrum, have you ever talked to someone and left encouraged, built up, and inspired? We have a responsibility to positively impact those we talk to. Sometimes this is about the godly topics we talk about or our spiritual perspective in everyday life, but it’s also about telling hard truths that might help someone be better. Either way, let’s help one another with the words of our mouth!

Food For Thought

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What should you remember or work on going forward?

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Wholesome tongue

Pleasant words

What should NOT proceed out of your mouth

What should proceed out of your mouth

Lying tongue

Flattering mouth

Open rebuke

Friend vs. Enemy

Rebuke vs. Flattery


Critical Thinking ChartUse the scriptures given to fill in what you learn about each topic below.


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Dos and don’ts Dos and don’ts Day 12 – Avoid, Avoid, Avoid!

Focus Scriptures: ☐ Proverbs 30:32 ☐ Proverbs 27:2 ☐ Ephesians 4:31-32; 5:3-4 ☐ 1 Peter 3:10-11

☐ Colossians 3:8-9 ☐ 2 Timothy 2:16 ☐ Titus 3:2

God’s Word is so good that it tells us what not to do, but it also tells us what not to SAY. It gives us ar-eas to avoid so we can learn from His Word rather than having to suffer the consequences of learning by experience. God gives us boundaries for our mouths (and actions) because He loves us and knows what’s best. Pay attention to the warnings in His Word and you’ll be blessed.

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Dos and don’ts Dos and don’ts Day 13 – Talk About This!

Focus Scriptures: ☐ Proverbs 31:8-9 ☐ Psalms 34:1 ☐ Psalm 71:8 ☐ Romans 15:5-6

☐ 1 Peter 3:15 ☐ Luke 6:45

What should we be talking about? There are some good things that should fill our conversations, and His word lays them out for us. The key, though, is what comes out of our mouths usually reflects what is in our hearts (Matt. 15:18-20; Luke 6:45). Want to talk about the right things? Ask God to work on your heart so you love what He loves and hates what He hates. He’s willing to help us talk and walk like Him.

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Dos and don’ts Dos and don’ts Day 14 – Put It Into Practice

Focus Scriptures: ☐ James 1:21-26

Knowing the Word is great; doing the Word is better. For the last two weeks, you have learned, reviewed, and explored many scriptures about our mouths, tongues, and lips. Today read a great reminder about applying the Word of God to your everyday life (James 1:21-26), and then get ready for some creative challenges to put the Word into practice!

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It’s Day 14! Read James 1:21-26 then choose at least 7 of these challenges to put what you’re learning about the mouth into practice over the next week. It’s not enough just to know it; it’s time to DO IT! Complete at least 7 (or more) within one week. At the end of the week, we’ll evaluate whether or not your mouth lined up with the Word of God for this week. Check them off as you complete them and then write what you learned or experienced.

CHALLENGES

☐ Encourage or compliment someone that you don’t normally talk to.

☐ Pray and encourage or compliment someone you’ve had past conflict or found annoying.

☐ Do a random act of kindness and share a kind, edifying, or encouraging word with the person.

☐ Pause and count to 10 before responding when talking, writing, texting or typing today.

☐ Tell the truth all day.

☐ Give up all needless conversations and social media for the day.

☐ Take a praise break somewhere you normally wouldn’t.

☐ Rather than engaging, end any conversation and scroll past any online post that isn’t edifying.

☐ If someone shares something negative about a person or situation, reply with something positive.

☐ Share a testimony or the gospel (good news) with someone.

☐ Ask someone who uses godly wisdom with their words to share the scriptures & experiences that helped them with their mouth.

☐ Add an extra fast day and pray for your mouth and any damage your mouth has caused.

☐ Write down something that bothers you or that you complain about, then write down as many things as you can think of that are good relative to the situation or that you’re grateful for in general.

☐ If there’s someone you need to forgive or an issue you need to let go of, spend extra time praying about it and ask someone to pray with you.

What did you learn from doing these challenges and putting the Word into practice? What interesting experienc-es did you have?

Application Challenge


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Conflict & contentionDay 15 – Common Causes

Focus Scriptures☐ Proverbs 13:10 ☐ Proverbs 28:25 ☐ Proverbs 26:21 ☐ Proverbs 15:18 ☐ Proverbs 29:22 (Cp. Pro. 22:24-25)

☐ Proverbs 16:28 ☐ Proverbs 10:12 ☐ Proverbs 17:19; 2 Timothy 2:23

Conflict is a part of life that we all experience, but the Word of God speaks to the causes, effects, and solutions for it. Today let’s look at common causes of conflict and contention in scripture. You’ll notice that there are certain things that lead to disputes, but there are also types of people who constantly create strife. We have to watch our mouths, but when it comes to conflict we must seriously pay attention to who around us keeps being the source of strife.

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In Proverbs 13:10, the Bible says, “Only by pride cometh contention,” How

does pride produce contention?

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What does the person that loveth strife also love?

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Using today’s scriptures, fill in the table with the causes or sources of strife given.

Reflection questionsRead the questions and answer them in the space provided.

Who or what stirreth up strife? Who kindles strife?

Who soweth strife?

What genders strife?


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Conflict & contentionDay 16 – Negative Effects

Focus Scriptures☐ Proverbs 18:19 ☐ Proverbs 17:14 ☐ Proverbs 19:13 ☐ Proverbs 27:15-16

☐ Proverbs 21:9, 19 ☐ James 3:16

Can you believe there are people who like drama? The Bible shows in teachings and examples, there are many negative consequences of contention, strife, and offense and they should not be what characterizes the life of the believer. In fact, Romans 12:18 says, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men,” and Romans 14:19 confirms, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Today we’ll look at some of the negative effects the Word gives so we can strive to resolve and eliminate conflict as much as possible and follow peace with all men (Heb. 12:14).

Food For Thought

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What negative effects of conflict and contention have you seen and/or

experienced?

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What lessons should you remember to apply to your life and share with others from the causes and effects explored so far?

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Conflict & contentionDay 17 – Resolving Conflict

Focus Scriptures☐ Proverbs 3:30 ☐ Proverbs 25:8-11 ☐ Matthew 18:15-17 ☐ Colossians 3:12-14

There are times when conflict comes up and it has to be addressed. How should we handle it according to the scripture? What should we do? What should we not do? Who should we involve? Thankfully God’s Word has instructions for us, and we can handle strife according to God’s wisdom rather than like the world. Let’s explore what the Bible says.

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What are the benefits of resolving conflict as these scriptures lay out?

Share from the Word, experience, and observation.

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What problems are caused by handling it your way rather than God’s way? Share from the Word, experience, and observation.

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Conflict & contentionDay 18 – Eliminating Conflict

Focus Scriptures☐ Proverbs 15:1 ☐ Proverbs 15:18 ☐ Proverbs 14:29 ☐ James 1:19-20 ☐ Proverbs 17:14

☐ Proverbs 20:3 ☐ Proverbs 19:11

In life, we will not always see things the same way as others, and sometimes we rub each other the wrong way. That means we must pray without ceasing, seek instruction from God’s word and humble ourselves in order to keep disagreements and challenges from turning into anger, contention, and strife. What does the Word of God teach us on deescalating and eliminating conflict? Let’s look at today’s scriptures.

Food For Thought

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James 1:19 says, “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” How will doing those three things help us deal with and eliminate

conflict?

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Pick one of these scriptures and write how you can apply it to your life.

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Conflict & contentionDay 19 – Mark & Avoid: The Scorner

Focus Scriptures☐ Romans 16:17-18 ☐ Proverbs 22:10 ☐ Psalms 1:1 ☐ Proverbs 3:34 ☐ Proverbs 9:7-8;

Proverbs 15:12 ☐ Proverbs 19:25, 28-29 ☐ Proverbs 21:24 ☐ Proverbs 29:8

A lot of time strife continues, because certain types of people start it and keep it going. The Bible teaches us that who we hang around affects us, and scripture speaks of the negative influence of people like the scorner, the slanderer, and the talebearer. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good man-ners.” We must take note of who causes divisions and offences, and avoid them (Rom. 16:17-18). Today we’ll look at the scorners who speak with anger, disgust, and disrespect as they arrogantly criticize, find fault, and mock.

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Read Romans 16:17-18. What type of people should we mark and avoid?

Why is this important?

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Conflict & contentionDay 20 – Mark & Avoid: The Slanderer

Focus Scriptures☐ Proverbs 10:18 ☐ Psalms 50:19-20 ☐ Psalms 101:4-5 ☐ Psalms 15:1-3 ☐ Psalms 64:2-8

A slanderer utters false charges or misrepresentations which damage reputations. They defame, disgrace, or discredit. Avoiding slanderers is so important because their mouths are out of control and lead to conflict. Slan-der too often shapes how we view people. The devil is the accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10), and we should not join into his negative report. We must be careful not to tear down others with our words, choosing instead to love, forgive, and pray and if necessary, address our issue with the person involved.

Food For Thought

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What two types of people are described as a fool?

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When the psalmist Asaph described someone who sat, spoke against, and slandered their brother, what did that person give their mouth to? What did their tongue frame?

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According to Psalm 101:4-5, what types of people should we disassociate and separate from?

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Who shall abide in God’s tabernacle and abide in His holy hill? List the six attributes given.

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Look at the description of the wicked workers of iniquity in Psalm 64:2-8.

• What is their tongue compared to?

• What type of words do they shoot as arrows?

• What do they search out?

• How does God respond to them?

As you read today’s scriptures, what do you see that you should remember or work on going forward?

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Reflection questionsRead the question and answer them on the space provided.


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Conflict & contentionDay 21 – Mark & Avoid: The Talebearer

Focus Scriptures☐ Proverbs 26:20-22 ☐ Leviticus 19:16-18 ☐ Proverbs 11:13 ☐ Proverbs 18:8

☐ Proverbs 20:19 ☐ Proverbs 16:28 ☐ Proverbs 17:9

The talebearer, as their name would suggest, is someone who bears tales. He or she is one that officiously or maliciously spreads gossip, scandal, or idle rumors. They always have the hot topic, and the newest news, and rather than praying, they choose to spread it as far as it goes. We must take care to not be a talebearer and not hang around talebearers. Love should cause us to take what we know straight to God and keep our mouths from being the source of gossip.

Food For Thought

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What is the benefit of marking and avoiding the scorner, slanderer, and

talebearer? Share from the Word, observation, and experience.

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What problems are caused by staying around scorners, slanderers, and talebearers? Share from the Word, observation, and experience.

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Go back to Day 14 and mark off the challenges you completed in the last week and write what you learned or experienced. Check it off when you’re finished. ☐ I completed Day 14, Put It Into Practice!

Think about the past week and evaluate what did or did not come out of your mouth this week. Honestly complete the ratings below. Be honest – it’s between you and God.

Final Evaluation

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Compare your results today to Day 1. Did you improve? What do you need to work on going forward? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from this study? What key point or scripture stands out?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



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This educational document (including all …...Who Do You Sound Like? Day 1 – Your Mouth Matters Your mouth matters to God. So often we say what we think or feel without much thought