Lesson 51

When Jehovah created us, he gave us a wonderful gift—the ability to speak. Does he care about the way we use that gift? He certainly does!

Read James 1.26: If any man thinks he is a worshipper of God but does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he is deceiving his own heart, and his worship is futile.

So how can we use our ability to speak in a way that will please Jehovah?

The Bible tells us to “keep encouraging one another and building one another up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Can you think of some who need encouragement? What can you do to make them feel better? Assure them that you care about them. Perhaps you can tell them what you appreciate about them. Can you think of a scripture that would encourage someone you know? There are many from which you can choose. Remember, too, that the way you say something can affect others just as deeply as the words you use. So always try to speak kindly and mildly.— Proverbs 15:1.

The Bible says: “Let a rotten word not come out of your mouth.”

Read Ephesians 4.29: Let a rotten word not come out of your mouth, but only what is good for building up as the need may be, to impart what is beneficial to the hearers.

This means that we do not use foul language or make cruel and offensive remarks that are meant to hurt someone’s feelings. We must also avoid harmful gossip and slander.

Read Proverbs 16.28: A troublemaker causes dissension, And a slanderer separates close friends.

Often the things we talk about reveal what is really in our heart or weighing on our mind. (Luke 6:45)

So we need to train ourselves to focus on positive things—things that are righteous, chaste, lovable, and praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8)

To focus on these things, we must choose our entertainment and friends wisely. (Proverbs 13:20)

It also helps to take the time to think before we speak. Consider how your words will affect others. The Bible says: “Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise is a healing.” — Proverbs 12:18.

Learn how to speak in a way that pleases Jehovah and encourages others.

At times, we all say things we later regret. (James 3:2)

Read Galatians 5.22, 23: On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Discuss these questions:

Which of these qualities could you pray for to help you control your speech? How might these qualities help you?

Read 1 Corinthians 15.33: Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.

Discuss this question:

What effect might your choice of friends and entertainment have on the language you use?

Read Ecclesiastes 3.1: There is an appointed time for everything, A time for every activity under the heavens:

Read Ecclesiastes 3.7: A time to rip apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak;

Discuss this question:

When might it be wise to keep silent or to wait for a better time to say something?

How can we avoid insulting others or saying unkind things? Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the questions that follow.

In the video, why did this brother want to change the way he spoke about others?

What did he do to change?

Read Ecclesiastes 7.16: Do not be overly righteous, nor show yourself excessively wise. Why should you bring ruin to yourself?

Discuss this question:

What should we remember when we are tempted to speak negatively about someone?

Read Ecclesiastes 7.21, 22: Also, do not take to heart every word that people say; otherwise, you may hear your servant calling down evil on you; for you well know in your heart that many times you yourself have called down evil on others.

Discuss this question:

How can these verses help you to keep from overreacting when someone speaks negatively about you?

Jehovah wants us to communicate with our family in a kind and loving way. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the question that follows.

What will help you to speak kindly to your family?

Read Ephesians 4.31, 32: Put away from yourselves every kind of malicious bitterness, anger, wrath, screaming, and abusive speech, as well as everything injurious. But become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you.

Discuss this question:

What kind of speech builds up a family?

Jehovah expressed how he felt about his Son, Jesus.

Read Matthew 17.5: While he was still speaking, look! a bright cloud overshadowed them, and look! a voice out of the cloud said: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved. Listen to him.”

Discuss this question:

How can you imitate Jehovah in the way you communicate with your family?

Do you agree? Why, or why not?

Words have power. We need to think carefully about what we say, when we say it, and how we say it.

What are some ways that you can use speech to help others?

What kind of speech do you want to avoid?

What can help us always to be kind and upbuilding in our speech?

Lesson completed on:

This week, try to commend someone in your family or in the congregation.

Other: Memorizing Bible scriptures is vital for blind individuals to defend the truth using the Bible, build faith, provide comfort during difficult times, and keep God’s principles firm in heart and mind.

From lesson 51, memorize Galatians 5:22, 23: On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

1. What can help us to use positive speech?

Develop the Tongue of the Wise Ones (8:04) Open explore 1 in new page

2. Learn what can help you to avoid using bad language.

“Is Cursing Really That Bad?” (Web article) Open explore 2 in new page

3. See how you can avoid falling into the trap of harmful gossip.

How Can I Stop the Gossip? (2:36) Open explore 3 in new page

4. Discover how Jehovah helped a man with his struggle to quit swearing.

“I Began to Think Seriously About Where My Life Was Headed” (The Watchtower, August 1, 2013) Open explore 4 in new page