Sticks & Stones, Apples of Gold - Bob Levin - February 21, 2021

                                 Power of the Tongue 
 Potential of your tongue
    Proverbs 16:21 
                Proverbs 15:4 
    Proverbs 12:18

             >>> Instruct your mouth > add persuasiveness 
                       Proverbs 16:23 NASB 

 Power of Death
   
• Gossip 
                       Proverbs 11:12-13  
                       Proverbs 17:9

           Responding to gossip
- Show no interest 
- Say something positive
- Advise the gossiper to talk to the person… Mt. 18:15
- Avoid the gossiper… Proverbs 20:19

• Reactive Argumentation… Proverbs 26:4  
                       Proverbs 18:13  
                       Proverbs 15:28 
                       Proverbs 29:20  
         

 Power of Life 

• A Gentle Answer 
                      I Peter 3:9
                      Proverbs 15:1

• Art of Listening… and counseling
            Seek first to listen & understand 
              James 1:19
       Proverbs 18:2  
       Proverbs 20:5   
       Proverbs 18:15 
       Romans 12:15   

• Apples of Gold… words of encouragement   
                   Hebrews 10:25
                   Proverbs 15:4
                   Proverbs 25:11 NASB  

                      Self Assessment

  How do I rate myself (1-10) in my tendency to: 
• Gossip ____

• Defensively argue, speak rashly ____

• Provide a “gentle answer” _____

• Listen & understand first, before advising ____ 

• Provide encouragement, comfort, inspiration ____

  How do I need to adjust in the use of my tongue & words?