Verse 3
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God uses situations in our lives to reveal the condition of our hearts and sin that's hidden in them. The purpose of this is to teach us to repent.
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Pray for your heart to be tested (Psalm 26:2), and be thankful when it happens—when you learn about some sin in your life—as this gives you the opportunity to repent.
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Verse 9
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If you want love in your relationships, do not hold people's past sins against them. Do not criticize people for what they did in the past. This harms relationships.
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Show that you have forgiven them by not bringing it up anymore.
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Verse 10
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Understand that rebuke works well when it is brought to the right person at the right time, but if you try to reprimand a fool (or someone who won't receive rebuke), it will never work. In fact, it will only create resentment (Proverbs 9:7-8).
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Correction can bring good or bad results, depending on how you use it.
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Just because you want to correct someone on something doesn't mean you should right away. Wisdom must be used in how much correction you bring and for what issues. If you are wise with how you correct, it will bring great results (Proverbs 25:12).
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Practically, try to limit the correction you bring to what the person will be able to receive and grow from, rather than what will drive them away and create resentment. You do not want to be a cause for resentment if you don't have to be.
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Then work on bringing more teaching and correction gradually, as they are able to receive it (1 Corinthians 3:2, Mark 4:33).
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If a person has a foolish response to correction (it causes them resentment), this often means that you said too much.
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Verse 14
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If you notice small conflicts beginning to grow, do not delay to address and resolve them. Do not wait until there is greater fighting.
Verse 16
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Generosity must be used wisely.
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Do not give money to people who will not use it wisely, otherwise you will be enabling their sin.
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Be sure that a person will use their money well before you give finances to them.
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Verse 17
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Remember that families exist to provide people with support in times of need. Take responsibility for helping your family members practically if they need help.
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And be the kind of friend that is consistent in showing love!
Verse 21, 25
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If you're a parent, especially focus on helping your children to be wise and godly.
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If you neglect helping your children, their sin will rob you of joy. Don't neglect your children.
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Verse 22
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Remember that joy is a great help to both yourself and others. Bring joy to others.
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Doing fun or joyful things with people is an important way to serve and help them.
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Verse 24
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Focus on learning what will be important for your faith and your growth.
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Do not study into matters that are unimportant or things that are ineffective for producing godliness in your life. It is foolish to focus on things that aren't important (1 Timothy 1:4).
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Verses 27-28
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Be slow to speak, and be calm in your demeanor.
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If you become excited to speak and don't hold back your words, you will make mistakes.
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If you don't have wise words to say, staying quiet is itself a show of wisdom. If you want to be wiser, be quieter!