Life of Thanks

What Happened
Thanksgiving is a time to express our gratitude to God and others for all the blessings we've been given: our families,
friends, the food that sits in front of us. What about when things go wrong? Are we able to be thankful then?
Pi is. The Life of Pi—a book by Yann Martel and a soon-to-be-released movie directed by Ang Lee, chronicles the amazing
journey of Pi Patel, an Indian teen whose ship was sunk, family killed and now is adrift on the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal
tiger.
This is not a position most of us would volunteer to fill. Pi struggles with hunger, thirst and some horrific storms—not to
mention the tiger (named Richard Parker) which would very much like to eat the Indian boy. It wouldn't seem Pi has a
lot to be thankful for in this situation.
Yet, Pi repeatedly offers thanks for what he's been given—form a fish that unexpectedly lands in his boat to the beauty
all around him (which he appreciates in spite of his dire situation). When he feels his strength is waning and he's about
to die, Pi thanks God for the wonderful life he's been given. Throughout, the film features elements of Hinduism,
Christianity and Islam.
For what is Pi most grateful? The same beast that would love to make a meal of him. Without the tiger, Pi insists, he
would've died long ago. "My fear of him keeps me alert," Pi says. "Tending to his needs gives me purpose."
Talk About It
Instinctively, we know hard work, even suffering, is necessary to grow and thrive. Our bodies grow stronger through
exercise. Our minds grow quicker the more we use them. "No pain, no gain," we often hear—an adage that applies to
the soul, as well—but it's hard to remember that when we're in the midst of pain.
For which painful experience can you be thankful? When have you learned something from a trying time? Were you
thankful for it at the time?
Are you going through a painful experience now? Are you learning from it? Do you think God can work through that
pain? Help you grow?
Not all pain seems to have purpose; but even then, we sometimes can find things to be thankful for, such as people who
helped us through or the fact we got through it at all. Have you ever suffered through something needlessly? Did it feel
unfair? How did you get through it? Were there people who gave you help and hugs when you needed them?
What the Bible Says
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thess.
5:16-18).
"My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long" (Ps. 35:28).
"We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that
suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us,
because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" (Rom. 5:2-5).
Brave

What Happened:
Merida doesn't like anyone telling her what to do—especially her mother. The main character in Pixar's
new film Brave is almost an adult, for goodness' sake, and when her mom tells her that she needs to get
married for the good of the kingdom, the teen pushes back.
By tradition, Merida's suitors must compete to see who gets to marry the girl; but after a trio of would-be
husbands finish firing their bows, Merida pulls out her own and announces, "I'll be fighting for my own
hand!" Of course, she wins.
Merida's mother, Elinor, is furious. Her daughter willfully disobeyed her—rebelling against her training and
upbringing and putting the future of the kingdom in danger. She and Merida have strong words: Merida
calls Elinor a beast. Elinor throws Merida's bow into the fire. Merida flees the castle, crying. Before long,
she runs into a witch—and begs the witch to change her mother.
In the end, change comes to both characters. After she realizes how much she hurt Elinor and the
kingdom with her actions, Merida takes on much of the responsibilities and duties Elinor always wanted
her to take. When Merida does, Elinor finds a way to get around the kingdom's stipulations for betrothal.
In other words, she allows Merida not to marry until she's ready.
Most importantly, the two of them are reminded of a couple of important things: the importance of
listening to each other and the fact that although they sometimes fight, they still love each other very
much.
Talk About It:
Merida and Elinor's relationship isn't that much different from how many moms and teenage daughters—
and sons, for that matter—relate to each other. Most teens want the ability to make more of their own
decisions. Parents want to teach their kids responsibility and, by extension, make the sort of decisions
they would make themselves. It's a natural part of growing up.
What sort of relationship do you have with your parents? Do the conflicts Merida and Elinor have look
familiar? Can you understand Merida's desire to find her own destiny and Elinor's desire for Merida to be a
responsible princess?
Merida asks a witch to change her mother. Is there anything you'd like to change about your parents? Is
there anything they might want to change about you? Are there times when you'd like your ability to
relate to each other and talk to each other to change and get better?
One thing Merida and Elinor wish is that the other would listen better. Can that sometimes be a problem
with your family or friends? Does it sometimes feel as if no one actually hears what you're trying to say?
Can you be guilty of not listening, too? When?
Merida and Elinor remember at the end how much they love each other. Merida apologizes to her mother.
Her mother takes Merida in her arms, essentially thanking her for helping them both change. How do you
show your parents that you love them? How do they show their love for you?
What the Bible Says:
The Bible often uses a mother's love as a reference point to show us how much God loves us.
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though
she may forget, I will not forget you" (Isa. 49:15).
"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem" (Isa.
66:13).
It also underlines the importance of respecting your parents and of listening to other people.
"Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a
garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck" (Prov. 1:8).
"Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance" (Prov. 1:5).
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry" (James 1:19).
Game One: Bible Names and Tribes
Divide the children in two groups and have each team write down as many Bible character names and/or
tribes they can think of. The team with the most names and tribes wins.

Game Two: Guess Who

Divide the children into groups. Have each team pull the name of a famous Bible character from a hat.
Each team will take turns giving clues so the other teams can guess who the character is and earn points.

Game Three: What would Jesus do?

In this game, the children are divided in groups and given scenarios are cards. Each team will huddle to
come up with the best answers for what Jesus would do.

Texting God
What Happened:
The iPhone has become one of the most-talked-about gadgets of the 21st century. Through its scads of
applications, Apple's popular cell phone can be used as a GPS system, camera, game console, construction
level, timer and countless other things.
If teen Allen Wright has his way, iPhone users soon will be able to talk with God.
Allen, 17, has developed an iPhone app called "A Note to God." It allows users to compose, type and send
anonymous prayers to a special site, where they can be read by other faithful iPhone users.
"If you want to sent a message and you don't have anybody to talk to, you could send a little prayer," he
told McClatchy Newspapers.
Talk About It:
People pray in different ways. In some branches of Christianity, it can be a complex, ritualistic procedure.
In others, prayer can sound like an informal conversation between friends. Some kneel and bow. Some
raise their hands and eyes to heaven.
How do you pray? Are there times or places when you feel closer to God? When? Where?
Allen's iPhone idea isn't new. Most of the psalms are prayers. For centuries, people have written their
prayers on paper and "sent" them to God by burning them, hiding them or putting them in cracks in
Jerusalem's famous Wailing Wall. Have you ever written a prayer?
For what sorts of things do you pray? Do you thank God for things in your life? Ask Him for help? Ask Him
to help others? Do you ever pray simply to talk with Him?
What the Bible Says:
"Then man prays to God, and He accepts him; he sees His face with a shout of joy and He restores to man
his righteousness" (Job 33:26).
"I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline Your ear to me; hear my words" (Ps. 17:6).
"I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because He inclined his ear to
me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live" (Ps. 116:1-2).

You’re So Vain

What Happened:
In the past 200 years, the story of Snow White has been told many different ways. Sometimes, as in the original Grimm
Brother stories, the tale can feel pretty dark. In Disney's 1937 iteration, it can be sweet and innocent. In the new
filmMirror Mirror, things can get downright silly.
While the story can look remarkably different from version to version, its core conflict remains much the same: Snow
White is growing more beautiful every day, and the beautiful but evil queen doesn't like it one bit.
In Mirror Mirror, the queen (played by Julia Roberts) goes to great lengths to stay pretty, and her beauty treatments are
downright bizarre. Bees sting her lips so they'll fluff up nicely. Fish nibble at her fingers. A servant spreads dollops of bird
poop on her face. If all that isn't enough to make her the prettiest woman in the kingdom...well, she's not above
knocking off anyone who's prettier.
The queen isn't the only one who longs to look a little different. Mirror Mirror's seven dwarves wear collapsible,
accordion-like legs to appear taller. Renbok, manservant of the dashing Prince Andrew, wears padding to make him look
more muscular. Almost everyone's trying to look like someone he or she is not.
As silly as they sometimes look, these characters have reason to try to look a certain way—just as we do. Society tells
them they should be pretty or handsome or tall. The pressure to be pretty can be overwhelming. We live in a reality in
which we're constantly exposed to chiseled abs and airbrushed models, and beautiful actresses can be lambasted for
putting on a few pounds. Should we be surprised that anxiety and eating disorders are at an all-time high?
In the end, Snow White serves to show this kingdom what true beauty looks like—and it doesn't come from magic
potions or bee stings. It's about how you act and treat others, so people can see the true beauty inside.
Talk About It:
Have you ever worried that you're not pretty or handsome enough? Do you ever wish you could look like the people you
see on magazine covers or in the movies? Have you ever done anything silly to make yourself look or feel more
attractive?
Does society put too much emphasis on how we look? If so, how does that pressure manifest? Where does that pressure
come from? Entertainment? Your friends? Your family?
Do you think people who try too hard to be something they're not—such as the dwarves with their accordion legs—
sometimes wind up looking more foolish? What characteristics make you pretty—not externally but internally?
What the Bible Says:
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" (Prov. 31:30).
"Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.
Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7).

What’s in a (Bad) Word?

What Happened:
By all accounts, the soon-to-be-released documentary Bully is a powerful film—a poignant look at a
handful of harassed kids and teens and showing how bullying affects them. Some believe the film could be
a catalyst for change.
Perhaps not everyone who should see it will be able to. Why not? Kids swear in the film—and they swore
enough that the MPAA gave Bully an R rating. As such, the documentary will be restricted from being
watched by youth under age 17 without an adult, and most high schools and middle schools will be unable
to show it to their students.
The film's makers have protested the rating, and more than 150,000 people have signed an online
petition, hoping the MPAA will reconsider. "I can't believe the MPAA is blocking American teenagers from
seeing a movie that could literally save thousands of lives," says teen Katy Butler, who started the
petition.
While the MPAA agrees Bully is a worthwhile movie, the organization stands by its rating. "Bullying is a
serious issue and is a subject that parents should discuss with their children," says Joan Graves, head of
the Classification and Ratings Administration. "Unfortunately, there is a misconception about the R rating
of this film limiting the audience to adults. This is not true. The voluntary ratings system enables parents
to make an informed decision about what content they allow their children to see in movies."
Talk About It:
The makers of Bully say the film is a documentary, and the language in the film reflects how kids and
teens actually talk. If you were going to give ratings to the conversations you hear at school, how would
they be rated?
Do you curse? Do your friends curse? Does it bother you when other people swear? Are there some swear
words that offend you and others that don't?
If you're under 17, do you think your parents would allow you to seeBully? Would they be put off by the
rating? Should they be? Would you like to see the film? Do you think other people should?
In Philippians 4:8, the Bible tells us that we should concentrate on "whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable." How should you handle
things that are true—things you could learn from—but aren't particularly pure or lovely or admirable?
The bullying and language in Bully show that school can be a pretty tough place…and that probably goes
for even many Christian schools, as well. Would your parents be surprised about what you're exposed to
at school? Do you talk with your parents about most of what happens there? Are there things you keep
from them so they won't worry?
What the Bible Says:
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up
according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Eph. 4:29).
"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy
language from your lips" (Col. 3:8).
"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (Phil.
4:8).

Finding the One

This is an activity to do with your youth group based on the Parable of the Lost Sheep. For the "twist" element to the
activity to be effective, you may not want to give away the verse and theme of the meeting right away. Start with the
activity and let it lead right into your teaching.
Scripture Reference: "If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won't he leave the
ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will
rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn't wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father's
will that even one of these little ones should perish" (Matt. 18:12-14, NLT).
The Supplies: You will need enough 100-piece puzzles for every five students in your group. You can find these in the
children's toy section at a dollar store. You will also need a very enticing prize for the winning group. A pizza works as a
great incentive for anything involving teens!
The Prep Work: Before everyone arrives at your meeting, open the puzzles and remove one piece from each box.
Carefully hide each one of the pieces in a different spot throughout your meeting room or for an extra challenge, the
entire building.
The Activity: Once your youth arrive, divide them into teams of five. The first group to complete its puzzle will win the
prize. Give the go and watch as your youth scramble to construct the puzzle. It will take a few minutes for them to
realize they are missing one piece of the puzzle. After the first few groups start to realize this, announce their missing
pieces are hidden somewhere throughout the room or building. Remind them again the entire puzzle must be
completed to win.
The Teaching: Use the activity to help your youth understand the verse from Matthew 18. Though the 99 pieces of the
puzzle were important and necessary, it was the one missing piece they rejoiced the most over finding. The teaching
could take many different directions. You could speak about how much God's love and His desire to see each and every
one of them to come to Him. The verse and activity could also be used for a talk on evangelism by encouraging your
youth to go after the one at their school who seems to be missing. Another idea would be to speak on repentance,
forgiveness and the mercy of God. Take time to pray about how the Holy Spirit wants to use this activity to speak
specifically to the needs of your group.
Discussion: It is always helpful to have your youth discuss. By asking them questions in a large or small group setting, you
are reinforcing the message of the meeting and helping them think deeper about the activity.
- How did it feel when you discovered you were missing a piece of the puzzle?
- How did it feel when you found the missing piece?
- Why do you think Jesus shared this parable with His apostles? What was He trying to say?
- Have you had the experience of being found by God? Share your story with the group.
- How can we help lead the lost back to God?

Couch Potatoes: A Lazy Game of TV and Trivia

Every now and again it's fun to play a game that requires no physical activity—just a prop-your-feet up
approach to entertainment and fellowship. This one can be prepared before youth meeting and is perfect
for a rainy day, a post-strenuous outing or an evening retreat.
Here's what you'll need: Before the meeting purchase some TV Guides, entertainment magazines, or (for
free) print off material from the Internet about upcoming TV shows and movies in your area. In particular,
you might concentrate on locating facts about TV shows that are popular among teens, including the
names of the TV stars, how long the series has been running, and more miniscule tidbits about some of
the behind-the-scenes work (directors, time slots, ratings, etc.). Once you have created a small file of
material, you should be able to play the game.
Divide students into two or more groups for the trivia competition—with each team of three to four sitting
on a couch, if possible. Alternate trivia questions among the teams, keeping score if you like, and see
which group truly consists of the biggest couch potatoes!

Last One Standing

Bring two students to the front. Tell them they must take turns speaking. The object of the game is to say
the title of any song from any decade that contains the word love. Each player has 10 seconds to respond.
If he or she cannot, the student must sit down so a new challenger can take on the winner from the
previous round. Titles cannot be repeated. Whoever is left standing gets a box of candy hearts or other
treat.
In this Teen Bible Study Guide, we will discover how God expects us to act towards our parents.
Introduction
"Mom is so demanding! She always tells me to clean my room, to wash dinner
dishes, and to do my homework," Kristen exclaimed to her friends around the
lunch table. "Yeah, my dad makes me cut the lawn while he watches football," Dan
added. "Parents are such slave-drivers!" Kristen nodded in agreement. Both then
turned their attention to the silent girl next to them. "Don’t your parents drive you
crazy too, Janet?" Kristen rhetorically asked the silent girl. Janet remembered
instances where her parents were 'driving her crazy,' but for some reason she
didn’t reply right away.
1. How common is such a conversation? Have you ever heard your friends talking
about their parents like Kristen and Dan? Do they usually say good things or bad
things?
2. How does what we say about others show how we feel about them?
In this issue we’ll discover how God expects us to act towards our parents.
The Fifth Commandment
EXODUS 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the
Lord your God is giving you."
DEUTERONOMY 5:16 "Honor your Father and mother as the Lord your God commanded you, that your
days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you."
1. Name a blessing God gives those who honor their parents? (HINT: Read Deuteronomy 5:16
again!) What other blessings can you think of?
2. What does it mean to honor someone?
3. How does respect relate to honor?
4. How does making good decisions show honor to parents? Consider Proverbs 10:1
.
5. Would you show your parents more honor by following God’s way or a worldly way?
6. Is loving our parents included in this fifth commandment?
7. As do all of the Ten Commandments, this commandment applies throughout life. List ways adults honor
their parents.
8. Explain the common practice to which Jesus applied the 5th commandment in Mark 7:9-13
Would you have thought the 5th commandment applied to that situation?
9. How does the 5th commandment apply to Christ's words and example in John 19:26-27?
10. Do you think children of parents who are not honorable are freed from obeying this commandment?
Why or why not?
Obeying Parents
II TIMOTHY 3:2 "For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful and unholy."
1. Why does God think it’s serious when we don’t obey our parents?
2. Can you give examples of movies or TV shows in which children are disobedient to their parents? Do
you think children imitate the example set by children in these movies or TV shows?
3. What does God say about talking badly about our parents? Is it a light thing in His eyes? Read Matthew
15:4
and answer. Why do you think the penalty is so severe?
EPHESIANS 6:1-4 Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honor your father and mother
which is the first commandment with promise. That it may be well with you and that you may live long on
the earth. And you, fathers do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and
admonition of the Lord.
4. Clearly God wants us to obey our parents, but what limits does God put on our obedience?
COMMENT: We should follow our parents as they follow God.
5. How should we respond if they tell us to do something contrary to God's Law?
6. How should parents teach their children? (HINT: look again at Ephesians)
7. How can a parent cultivate honor in his children?
8. When you become a parent, how will you teach the 5th commandment to your children?
Our Spiritual Father
MALACHI 2:10 Do we not all have one Father? Has not one created us?
EPHESIANS 4:6 One God and one Father of all, who is above all, and through all and in you all….
1. Since God is our spiritual Father, doesn't this commandment also apply to our relationship with Him?
List some ways we honor God?
NOTE: You may want to consider Matthew 5:16
.
I SAMUEL 2:30 "... for those who honor Me, I will honor, and those who despise me I will lightly esteem."
HEBREWS 2:7 "You made him [man] a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and
honor."
2. How does the fact that God gives us honor make you feel? How does it make you want to respond to
God?
Summary
1. How are the ways we honor our physical parents and the way we honor our spiritual Father similar?
2. How are they different? (HINT: God is perfect.)
3. What could Janet reply to her friends and still keep the Fifth commandment?
4. Is this commandment difficult to keep?
5. What changes in society do you think would occur if everyone obeyed the 5th commandment?
NOTE: You may want to consider Matthew 5:16
. The Fifth Commandment - Honor your dad and mom
Speech (Facilitator's Guide)
This Facilitator's Guide is intended to assist the facilitator in leading the discussion of a group on the
following topic. It is not meant to give an exhaustive review of the topic, but rather give pointers from the
Bible. To that end we have inserted a few comments and Bible verses that are relevant to the discussion –
this may help get the discussion started. For a more comprehensive study of this topic see the related
online resources at the end of this guide.

Introduction

"I know I should not take God's name in vain, and I know I should not tell
a lie because the Ten Commandmentssay not to do so. But does God care
how I speak otherwise?" Has that question ever crossed your mind?
Actually God's Word gives many principles about how we should and
should not speak. This discussion guide will lead you to discover those
principles.

Evidence from Scripture

Matthew 12:36
– "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of
Judgment." (37) "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

1. From these verses, how can we tell that God attaches great importance to our speech?
· We must give account for what we say.

· We will either be justified (declared guiltless from the penalty of sin, Galatians 3:24
) or condemned by what we say.

2. Why should we be concerned about our words?

· Luke 12:3
– What we speak in private "will be proclaimed on the housetops."

· Malachi 3:16
– When those who fear the Lord speak, God listens.

· Luke 6:45
– Our words reveal what is in our heart.

3. What is an "idle word"?

· Idle means "lacking worth or basis; vain chatter". (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

· "Idle word" implies what you say when you are not thinking; talking without engaging mind.

· Proverbs 15:2
– "… the mouth of fools pours fourth foolishness."
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

4. Explain how "death and life" are contained in the words we speak.
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my
strength and my redeemer.
Psalm 141:3
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
· Our words have the potential to hurt others or to help others. They have the potential to hurt our
eternal standing with God.

· Proverbs 13:3
– "He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction."

5. How concerned were men such as David and Solomon about their speech? What should our attitude be?
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
· David showed that he wanted his words and the meditation of his heart to be pleasing to God.

· David was a "man after God's own heart", so we should try to learn from him.

· Psalm 34:12-13
 – This scripture shows David's attitude toward words. He sees the correlation between desiring life,
loving days of good and keeping his tongue from speaking guile.

6. Can you point to a biblical example or relate a personal experience as evidence of the validity of this
proverb?
· Proverbs 25:15
– "By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded and a gentle tongue breaks a bone."

· 1 Samuel 10-11 – Nabal responded with harsh words after David had asked for some nourishment after
he protected Nabal's sheep in the wilderness.

· 1 Peter 2:21-23

– We should follow in the steps of Christ "who when He was reviled did not revile in return…"
7. What is a "soft answer"? Why does such an answer "turn away wrath"?
· "Soft answer" – These words are filled with gentleness and love; grace.

· "Turns away wrath" –People will not keep an argument or quarrel going if the other party refuses to
participate or answer back.

· 1 Samuel 25:23-31

– Abigail's soft words turned away wrath of David, who intended to hurt her husband, Nabal, and all of
his household because of Nabal's unkind and selfish attitude.
Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly; but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

8. How can you tell a wise person from a fool? What difference is there in their speech?
· Proverbs 16: 22 – a fool refuses to be corrected

· Proverbs 10:18
– a fool spreads slander in his speech

· Proverbs 10:11
– the speech of a fool often leads to violence

· Proverbs 10:19
– "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his tongue is wise."

· Proverbs 20:32
– "The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse."

9. How does one use "knowledge rightly"? What does the statement mean?
Proverbs 15:4
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
· "Knowledge rightly" – 2 Timothy 2:15-16

"Be diligent to show yourself approved to God, worker who does not need to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babbling, for they will increase to
more ungodliness."

· What does this statement mean? –It means that we need to use what we know for God's
purposes; for improving your thoughts, words and deeds; for helping others and for positive
outcomes.

10. What is a "wholesome tongue"?

· Wholesome means "health and well-being of mind and spirit; prudent". (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

· Proverbs 16:27
– "A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is."

· 2 Timothy 2:14
– "Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to
the ruin of themselves."
11. Why would a perverse tongue cause discouragement and depression?
Proverbs 15:23
A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
· Perverse means "turned away from what is right and good: corrupt; improper or incorrect." (Merriam-
Webster Dictionary)

· A perverse tongue makes you feel discouraged and depressed because you are opposing God's
way. Your conscience may tell you your words are wrong. A perverse tongue creates discouragement
and depression in the hearers as well as the speaker.

12. Explain the meaning of this proverb. What's the lesson regarding our speech?
Proverbs 20:19
He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with
his lips.
· Controlling one's tongue brings joy to the speaker and the hearers.

· Proverbs 25:11
– "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."

· Proverbs 12:25
– "Anxiety of the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad."
13. What's so bad about gossip?
· It is commanded in the Bible not to gossip.

· Leviticus 19:16
– "You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people."

· Proverbs 11:13
– "A talebearer revels secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter."

· Proverbs 18:8
– "The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down to the inmost body."

· Proverbs 26:20
– "Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer strife ceases."

· Gossips destroy lives and reputations.

· Luke 6:31
– Christians are to treat others as they would like to be treated.

14. What's so bad about flattery?

Proverbs 25:15
By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone.
· Flattery is used by people to get an advantage over someone.

· Proverbs 7:5
– "The seductress who flatters with her words."

· Flattering lips show hypocrisy.

· Psalm 12:2-3
- It is a sign of ungodliness.

· Proverbs 29:5
- It traps those who listen to it.

· Proverbs 26:28
– It can lead to ruin.

15. Just how does a "gentle tongue break a bone"?

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that
it may impart grace to the hearers.
· Proverbs 25:21-22

, Proverbs 15:1
– Gentle words break the resolve and resistance of stubborn hardhearted people.

· Examples of the right words "breaking" the resistance of someone

16. What is "corrupt communication"?

· Corrupt means "morally degenerate and perverted; depraved" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). It can
also mean tainted and vicious.

· Corrupt communication could also mean hostile and angry words.

· Examples

17. How can our words build others up? What about when someone needs to be corrected?
· Words can encourage others to do rightly and make good choices.

· When someone needs to be corrected, well-chose, godly, loving words can be used.

· 2 Timothy 3:16-17

– "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good
work."

18. What does it mean "impart grace"? How does our speech do that?
Ephesians 5:4
Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
Colossians 3:8
But now you must also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your
mouth.
· Strong's Bible Concordance states the meaning of grace as the divine influence on the heart and its
reflection in life; including gratitude.
· Our speech can help us turn to God and appreciate Him.

19. What constitutes "foolish talking"? Can you give some examples?
· Foolish is "lacking in sense, judgment, or discretion; absurd and ridiculous…" (Merriam-Webster
Dictionary)

· Foolish talking is talking about silly things or talking in a rude manner.

· Examples of "foolish talking" are mocking others, institutions and things of God. Talking about private
matters too openly is another example. Many radio, television and movies are full of foolish talking.

20. What constitutes "coarse jesting"? Can you give an example?

· Synonyms for coarse are vulgar, gross, and obscene. Jesting is making fun of or mocking someone.

· Making fun of the things of God, people and sex with or without vulgar words are examples of coarse
jesting.
21. What is "filthy language"? How do you define it? How would you recognize it? What are its
characteristics?
· Speaking bad words, cursing, cussing, talking in angry or hateful ways are examples of filthy
language. Language that is any way goes against God's commandments is filthy.

· Filth is defined as "moral corruption or defilement". – (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

· Filthy language is the use of vulgar of obscene words.

· We recognize filthy language by asking ourselves some questions:

· Do our words honor and show love and respect toward God?

· Do our words honor and respect His law?

· Do our words show love and respect for ourselves and others?

· Do these words encourage and/or bring joy to the hearer?

· Are our words clean (above reproach, appropriate, not vulgar)?

· Would we want these words "proclaimed from the housetops"? (Luke 12: 31)

· Would we want God to hear us say these words?

· Characteristics of filthy language: negative, ungodly, rude, crass, slanderous, hateful, angry, etc.

· Breaking the third commandment would be filthy language as well.

Summary

1. Summarize what God tells us about how we are to speak. What does "love" have to do with it?
· Philippians 1:27 – "Let your conduct (conversation) be worthy of the gospel of Christ..."
· Colossians 4:6
– Speak gracious words.

· Proverbs 21-23 – "Whoso guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from trouble." Speak with self-
control.
· The love of God and our fellowman should motivate our speech.
· David's example of love toward God can be seen in these words about his speech. Psalm 19:14
– "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart are acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my
strength and my Redeemer."

· Luke 6:45
, Matthew 12:35
– Our love of God is reflected in what we say.

· 1 Peter 3:15
, I Peter 2:12 – Our love of God and our fellow may light the way for others, as evidenced by our words.

2. What do your peers believe about speech? Do they watch their words? Why or why not? Do they look
for principles to guide their speech? Do they use "filthy language," "coarse jesting," etc.?
· Examples that support what has been discussed so far.

· Society tells them that it is good to express feelings. Talking is encouraged in any way, shape or form.
Peers can believe that any speech is acceptable.

· Peers do not usually look for principles to guide speech, rather are influence by current music, movies,
media, etc.

3. What do you now believe after this study? Do you think it is important to consider how you speak? Do
you see wisdom in the counsel the Bible gives?
· "Filthy language" and "coarse jesting" are everywhere in the world we live in.