APRIL 28–MAY 4

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

1. Don’t Say It!

(10 min.)

Don’t say something that could damage your “neighbor” (Pr 11:9; w02 5/15 26 ¶4)

Don’t say something that is divisive (Pr 11:11; w02 5/15 27 ¶2-3)

Don’t reveal a confidential matter (Pr 11:12, 13; w02 5/15 27 ¶5)

Two brothers conversing with each other at the Kingdom Hall. One of the brothers speaks negatively about another brother who is walking toward them.

FOR MEDITATION: How do Jesus’ words recorded at Luke 6:45 help us to avoid harmful speech?

2. Spiritual Gems

(10 min.)

Pr 11:17—How does showing kindness benefit us? (g20.1 11, box)

Your answer
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?

Your answer

3. Bible Reading

(4 min.) Proverbs 11:1-20 (th study 5)

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

4. Starting a Conversation

(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Look for an opportunity to tell the person something that you learned at a recent meeting. (lmd 2:4)

5. Following Up

(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Feature a video from the Teaching Toolbox. (lmd 8:3)

6. Making Disciples

(4 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. Offer and demonstrate a Bible study. (lmd 10:3)

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

7. Don’t Let Your Tongue Be a Peace Wrecker

(15 min.) Discussion.

Because we are imperfect, we will stumble in our speech. (Jas 3:8) However, if we are mindful of common pitfalls, this will help us to avoid saying things that we will later regret. Here are some types of speech that can wreck the peace of the congregation:

Inappropriate boasting. This speech is self-praise and can stir up competition and envy.—Pr 27:2
Dishonest speech. This speech is not limited to telling outright lies but includes speech that is intentionally misleading. Even a little dishonesty can destroy trust and harm our reputation.—Ec 10:1
Harmful gossip. This speech is idle talk about people and their lives that distorts the facts or reveals private matters. (1Ti 5:13) It can lead to quarreling and divisions
Angry speech. This speech is an uncontrolled venting of our feelings against someone who upsets us. (Eph 4:26) It can cause hurt.—Pr 29:22

Scenes from the video “‘Put Away’ Peace Wreckers—Excerpt.” 1. Emily and Celia sit across from each other at a café. Celia looks at Haley’s social media post on a smartphone. 2. Haley speaks angrily to Celia in the Kingdom Hall parking lot.

Play the VIDEO “Put Away” Peace Wreckers—Excerpt. Then ask the audience:

What did you learn about how easily our speech can disrupt the peace of the congregation?

Your answer

To see how peace was restored, watch “Seek Peace and Pursue It.”

8. Congregation Bible Study

(30 min.) w21.07 29:9-14