I’ve often been asked to share what our Bible study looks like using our methods as outlined in a Bible Based Education. Here is a quick lesson. Bear in mind that I didn’t write this lesson plan before hand…I was reading it in my Bible during my quiet time and thought it was too good (read: relevant) to not share with my children. 
Some times we go more in depth with our study and at other times this is it! It isn’t about the time spent nor the amount of work covered – it is a heart issue. So, here’s a lesson from Proverbs.
“Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!” Proverbs 26:18-19
“Ha, you’re hair looks real ugly like that sis!” followed by “Nah…only joking.”
Ever heard this kind of thing? I’ve heard it in my own home. I used to think I was just old fashioned or prudish but then I read Proverbs 26 and saw that I wasn’t alone! God has thoughts on it too! So I decided to share this lesson with my children. I’ll try my best to write it out as it happened, using the 4 step process. It isn’t word for word but I’m sure you’ll get the gist of it.
Four step Lesson Process - learn more here
Click each tab on the left to reveal the next step
I read Proverbs 26: 18-19.
Then I ask them “Can you imagine what it would be like to have a wild man, a lunatic, running around shooting people with a gun? Horrendous! Can a mere ‘joking’ excuse that lack of self control?”
Discuss: We use words, tone of voice and facial expression to convey a meaning. Are we guarding our tongue if we just let all manner of dribble spew forth and then think we can excuse it by adding a quick “only joking” at the end?
Discuss: Our words can be ones of comfort and encouragement or ones of hurt.
Cross-reference by using your concordance to look up other passages on ‘the tongue’. (We use my Thompson Chain Reference)
Share your findings.
Remember our family saying: If it’s not fun for all, then it’s not fun at all. Discuss further.
Is there an attitude or behaviour that I should avoid? Share.
Pray that Father God will help us to guard our tongue as we seek to glorify Him in all things.
I also strewed the ‘Watch your words’ quote on the fridge.
Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
I use the 4 step lesson process very naturally. You can download lesson templates and more in the download section.
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Excellent!! I love how you do this… and I love the message on the fridge. So true and so important.
What is the Boy With The Nails And The Tree? A book? Sounds interesting…
I have always disliked the kind of humour you mentioned. “Many a true word said in jest”, my husband always says… the ‘joker’ reveals their true thoughts, in other words.
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hi Amanda,
Sorry about alluding to a story without relaying it. I’ve added a link to the story now. It’s one of those urban stories that do the rounds…but makes for a good object lesson.
Oh No!!! I don’t really think Amanda lets Darcy sleep on the bench, and even if she did, I would love her the same!!!
Eh! I have lots to learn. :X-P:
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Mrs BB, I love your type of humour… :-*
And like all self-respecting dogs, Darcy sleeps on the bed, not the benches… :dog:
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Amanda,
BB is a crack-up. isn’t she? :-*
Oh to have a sense of humour like hers…then again your own is pretty wicked too! :rotfl:
wicked is right! My husband says that all the time, lol
Susan, you have a great sense of humour also my friend, but you also have a beautiful caring heart that is able to point right to the ‘heart’ of a matter, in truth. I love that about you…
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Thank you dear but i really don’t have a sense of humour…ask my husband and children. I just don’t get a lot of things that seem plain to others. I also think of witty retorts about 24 hours later…
Susan, if you insist you don’t have a sense of humour, we can accept that, but note that you do a great impersonation of someone who has one
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