Date: July 6, 2026. Lesson 131-2026. Title: The Power of Gentle Words, Knowing When Enough Is Enough

July 6, 2026

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The Power of Gentle Words, Knowing When Enough Is Enough

A neighbor told Rick Wiles's wife Susan that her brother pressures her every time they see each other, delivering a fire-and-brimstone message of hell and damnation. She told Susan, "I talk to God every day. I pray every day. But my brother tells me I'm going to hell." On the same day, Susan spoke with a friend who had been renewing a relationship with a young relative who was starting to go to church. The friend told her nephew, "If you're gonna get close to God, you gotta stop living with your girlfriend, or you're gonna burn in hell." The nephew stopped talking to her. These two real-world examples, Wiles says, illustrate exactly what Proverbs 25:15-16 is about—and what happens when believers get it wrong.

The Paradox of Gentleness as Power

Proverbs 25:15 states: "By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone." The Hebrew phrase translated as "long forbearing" means patience under pressure—the capacity to hold one's ground without pressing, to maintain a case without demanding an immediate verdict. The "prince" (Hebrew qatsin) describes a ruler whose default posture is to issue commands, not receive persuasion. He is the hardest person to persuade precisely because his position gives him power to dismiss, refuse, or override.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:26) **Opening & Prayer** - Rick Wiles and Dr. Raymond Burkhart welcome listeners and introduce the day's lesson from Proverbs 25:15-16.
2 (02:07) **The Two Paradoxes: Gentleness as Power & Abundance as Dangerous** - Dr. Burkhart introduces the two distinct but theologically related themes of the day's verses.
3 (04:47) **The Theological Root: Self-Governance** - The hosts identify self-governance as the foundation of wisdom that connects both verses.
4 (10:46) **The Mechanism of the Soft Tongue** - Dr. Burkhart unpacks the paradox of the soft tongue breaking the bone.
5 (14:04) **The Divine Pattern: God's Long-Suffering** - Rick and Dr. Burkhart connect the human virtue of patience to the character of God.
6 (21:47) **Practical Applications of the Soft Tongue** - The hosts apply the principle of verse 15 to everyday relationships and church life.
7 (25:06) **The Septuagint's Elevation of Patience as a Spiritual Virtue** - Dr. Burkhart contrasts the King James and Septuagint translations of verse 15.

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Guests on this episode

Rick Wiles

Show Notes

In today's Morning Manna, Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart explore Proverbs 25:15–16, where Solomon reveals two powerful lessons in self-control. A patient spirit and a gentle tongue can accomplish what force and anger never will, while even the sweetest blessings become harmful when pursued without restraint. From patient persuasion to disciplined appetites, this study shows that true wisdom is measured not by power or abundance, but by knowing the right way, the right time, and the right measure. As believers learn to govern both their words and their desires, they increasingly reflect the character of the God who is both longsuffering and perfectly wise. Lesson 131-2026 Teachers: Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart You can partner with us by visiting MannaNation.com, calling 1-888-519-4935, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961 MEGA FIRE reveals the ancient recurring cycles of war and economic collapse that have shaped history for 600 years. These patterns predict America is now entering its most dangerous period since World War II. Get your copy today! www.megafire.world Get high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves! www.AmericanReserves.com It’s the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today! www.Amazon.com/Final-Day Apple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books! www.books.apple.com/final-day Purchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today. www.Sacrificingliberty.com