*Proverbs 18:2, 6-7, 12-13, 15, 17, 21

Invest yourself in careful listening!

1. Ask thoughtful questions 19a

Questions convey care and concern, and sow hope and love.
Questions help us learn their struggles, their beliefs, and their conclusions.
Questions work to provoke thinking and challenge perspective.

2. Speak informed responses 19b

Take time to know people, rather than giving a cookie-cutter apologetic response.
Beware of judging and attacking rather than understanding the person.
This is not us vs. them.  “I’m in this with you.  Let’s look for hope and help together!”

3. Pursue patient interaction 19c

Correction takes time.  Slow down!  Beware of starting fires (James 3:5-6).
You cannot correct well with sinful anger. (James 1:20, Proverbs 15:18)
Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), an instrument of peace (Proverbs 15:1), and a bridge to hope (1 Peter 3:15).

Discussion questions available here.