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6. Dive Deeper: Gentle Words Bring Peace (Proverbs 15:1)
- Collected Joys
- Oct 27
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
About our Dive Deeper Series
Welcome! This post accompanies our newest book, Memory Verses in Action —created to help kids not only memorize Scripture but also live it out in daily life.
Each post of our Dive Deeper series includes extra resources for every verse in the book—featuring activities, songs, teaching videos, and reflection questions to help kids understand and apply God’s Word.
To learn more about the book and explore all the available resources, click here.
Dive Deeper: Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
— Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
Words are powerful—they can calm a storm or make it grow. In this verse, God reminds us that gentle words bring peace, while harsh words cause more hurt. When someone says something unkind, it’s easy to want to snap back, but gentleness shows God’s love in action. Choosing calm, kind words doesn’t make us weak—it shows wisdom and strength that come from God.
Additional Discussion Topics and Questions
In this verse, kids learn that gentle words can calm anger and show God’s love. Use these questions to help children think about how their words affect others and how they can speak with kindness and wisdom.
It can be helpful to break this verse down into four big truths:
Words have power. Every word we speak can help or hurt. God wants us to use words that heal and build up others.
Gentleness shows God’s love. When we respond with kindness, we’re showing the same grace that God shows us.
Harsh words stir up anger. Quick, impatient, or mean words can make small problems bigger. It’s always better to pause and pray first.
Gentle answers bring peace. When we speak softly and kindly, we help calm the moment and invite God’s peace into the situation.
Additional discussion questions:
What’s the difference between gentle words and harsh words?
How do gentle words make people feel?
How do harsh words make people feel?
Do gentle words or harsh words make things better?
Can you think of a time when you could have chosen gentler words?
Can you make a list of gentle words?
Can you make a list of gentle and wise reactions?
Who wrote the book of Proverbs? (Solomon)
What was he known for? (Wisdom)
How many wise sayings did he speak? (Over 3,000!)
🎶 Song / Video
Below are three engaging videos to help kids understand and remember Proverbs 15:1. Each one offers a different way to explore what it means to use gentle words and bring peace.
Practical Illustration: Watch this short video by CBF Sherwood that shows how gentle and harsh words can change a situation. It’s a great visual reminder that our words make a difference.
Memorization Practice (Younger Kids): This video from Bible Fox Learning helps younger children practice saying Proverbs 15:1 with simple repetition and fun visuals.
Song: Here’s a sweet Scripture song from Praise Pops! that puts Proverbs 15:1 to music.
💡 Activity: Gentle Words Jar
Decorate a jar and label it “Gentle Words.” Throughout the week, each time someone uses gentle or kind words, write them down on a small piece of paper and drop them in the jar.
At the end of the week, count the notes together and thank God for each moment of gentleness you noticed.
This simple activity helps kids see how their words can make a difference and reminds them that peace grows wherever gentleness is spoken.
💡 Activity: Gentle Words Scenarios
Act out or discuss short scenarios where someone says or does something unkind, and the other person practices responding with gentle words.
After each, discuss how the gentle response helps bring peace and honors God.
Examples include:
A friend takes your toy without asking.
Gentle response: “I’d be happy to share if you ask next time.”
This response shows kindness but sets a healthy boundary.
Someone says something mean on the playground.
Gentle response: “That wasn’t very kind. I still want to be friends, but please don’t talk to me like that.”
This response is firm but forgiving — models respect without anger.
Your sibling knocks over your block tower by accident.
Gentle response: “It’s okay. I know it was an accident—maybe we can rebuild it together.”
This response turns frustration into teamwork.
Your friend doesn’t want to play the game you chose.
Gentle response: “That’s okay—maybe we can play mine next time.”
This response shows flexibility and peacekeeping.
You lose a board game and feel upset.
Gentle response: “Good game! I’ll try again next time.”
This response shows humility and self-control.
Your brother or sister is grumpy and snaps at you.
Gentle response: “You sound upset. Do you want to talk about it later?”
This response shows empathy rather than matching their tone.
Someone breaks something that belongs to you.
Gentle response: “That made me upset, but I forgive you.”
This response is honest but calm—it teaches grace and emotional awareness.
After each scenario, talk together about which responses brought peace and how it felt to answer with gentleness instead of anger.
This simple activity helps kids understand that being gentle doesn’t mean being weak—it means choosing God’s strength to stay calm, kind, and full of peace.
🌟 Closing Thought
Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that our words have power. They can bring peace or stir up anger. When we choose gentle words, we show love, kindness, and wisdom—the kind of heart God wants us to have. This week, encourage your child to pause before they speak and ask, “Will my words bring peace?” Gentle words honor God, help others feel cared for, and fill our homes and classrooms with His love.
✨ Next Dive Deeper: Psalm 107:1 –
Give Thanks to the Lord
In the next Dive Deeper post, we’ll explore what it means to have a thankful heart! Kids will discover how giving thanks helps us remember God’s goodness and love every day.
Click below to begin the next lesson, or visit our Dive Deeper page for more tools and resources that go along with Memory Verses in Action.
Our Favorite Kids’ Bibles & Devotionals
Looking for more ways to help your child grow in God’s Word? Here are a few of our favorite Bibles, devotionals, and faith-building books for kids! These are wonderful tools to use alongside the Memory Verses in Action series and to encourage everyday conversations about faith at home.
Please note: This section contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we personally use and love!
This is one of our top recommendations! All the verses in Memory Verses in Action come from the NIV translation (except for Philippians 4:13), so kids can easily find and follow each passage in this Bible. It’s filled with colorful illustrations, fun facts, and “Live It!” features that help kids apply God’s Word to daily life. This is a great Bible for elementary-aged readers!
In addition to the standard version, check out this adorable personalized edition. Add your child’s name to make their Bible extra special!
➡️ Explore More Faith Resources
Please visit the links below to see all of our recommended resources:
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