W. Austin Gardner
Dealing with people 3

Working with people we will learn what the wise man said when he said that the sweetness of lips increases learning. Proverbs 16:21
How often do we say and do things that are not sweet. We have good intentions, good motives. We think we are challenging and motivating. We may mean well but it comes across as bitter not sweet. These words and attitudes cause division and rob us of the opportunity to teach others.
God help me learn to be sweet in tone, words, face, and attitude. I never want to answer with antagonism or anger.
God we want to show wisdom here. We do not want a beating, chastisement. We want wisdom that comes from listening and learning. We thank you for the reproof. We want to live like a wise man. Proverbs 17:10
The problem is that we always think we are right, but excuse me, but all of us have this problem. We don’t listen to counsel because we think we know. Proverbs 12:15
We do not want to mock spiritual things. We need to accept reprove that comes. We want to examine ourselves when reproved to see what is true and what we need to do. We need to love those that would try to show us our blindspots. Proverbs 15:12
Much of the conflict that we suffer and have to endure is because the Lord is chastising us. That is never pleasant but really tough. God is at work and He will grow us into what He wants us to be. Hebrews 12:11
We want to learn to use pleasant words that are sweet and bring health. Proverbs 16:24 Please God help me to grow and learn to use my words correctly.
How often do we fail because our words are piercing like a sword. I want a tongue that brings health. Proverbs 12:18
How many times have we spoken truth but it didn’t sound or feel like love. So now being aware of the power of our words we can spend more time asking God about what we want to say, thinking before speaking, and trying to hear what they are going to hear by what we say.