JUNE 9-15
PROVERBS 17
Song 157 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
An Israelite couple enjoying a simple meal in a peaceful atmosphere
1. Enjoy Peace in Your Marriage
(10 min.)
It takes work to maintain peace, but it is well worth the effort (Pr 17:1; see picture)
Avoid making issues out of small matters (Pr 17:9; g 9/14 11 ¶2)
Stay in control of your emotions (Pr 17:14; w08 5/1 10 ¶6–11 ¶1)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Pr 17:24—In what way do “the eyes of the stupid wander to the ends of the earth”? (it-1 790 ¶2)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Pr 17:1-17 (th study 10)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. (lmd lesson 3 point 5)
5. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 6 point 4)
6. Talk
(5 min.) ijwbv article 60—Theme: What Is the Meaning of Proverbs 17:17? (th study 13)
Song 113
7. Cultivate Habits That Promote Good Communication
(15 min.) Discussion.
Good communication is key to a happy family life. When family members communicate openly, they can accomplish goals as a team and support one another during challenging times. (Pr 15:22) What can you do to promote open communication in your family?
Spend time together. (De 6:6, 7) When families work together, participate in spiritual activities together, and have fun together, they create a strong bond of love and trust. They also create opportunities for relaxed conversation. At times, you may need to sacrifice your personal preferences to do something that others in the family want to do, but the long-term rewards are worth it! (Php 2:3, 4) How can you make the best use of your time together?—Eph 5:15, 16.
Play the VIDEO Follow the Road Map to Family Peace—Improve Communication. Then ask the audience:
What effect can the misuse of electronic devices have on communication in the family?
What else did you learn about effective communication from this video?
Be a good listener. (Jas 1:19) Children are more likely to express themselves freely if they are not afraid of being misunderstood or judged. So do your best not to overreact if your child says something that concerns you. (Pr 17:27) Instead, listen with empathy. Try to understand his thoughts and feelings so that you can reassure or assist him in a loving way.
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 27 ¶19-22, box on p. 212