Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. … A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit? … By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you … Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. … Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

1Ti 6:11; Pr 25:15, Pr 15:1-2; 1Co 4:21, 2Co 10:1, Pi 4:4-5, Ep 4:2; Ti 3:1-2; Co 3:12-14

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