TOXIC CO-WORKERS

‘A Toxic Co-Worker Makes Me Feel Worse About Myself With Every Interaction.’

‘Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose speech is corrupt. These people turn from right ways to walk down dark and evil paths. They rejoice in doing wrong, and they enjoy evil that turns things upside down. What they do is crooked and their ways are wrong.’ Proverbs 2:12-15

‘Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the flattery of the adulterous woman. She has abandoned her husband, and ignores the covenant she made before God. Entering her house leads to death, it is the road to hell; the man who visits her is doomed, he will never reach the paths of life.’ Proverbs 2:16-19

HOW TO PUT WISDOM INTO WORK

I. RECOGNIZE THE ‘BIGGER ISSUES AT WORK

#1 – I Cannot Control Other People
#2 – I Cannot Make Other People Change
#3 – Imperfect People Sin And Cause Damage

‘Evil people are trapped by sin.’ Proverbs 29:6

II. ASK FOR GOD’S WISDOM

‘If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God’ James 1:5

‘Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. If you prize wisdom, she will exalt you; embrace her and she will honor you.’ Proverbs 4:7-8

Fruit of the Spirit: ‘Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Self-Control’

III. AVOID THE TOXIC ‘OPEN DOORS’

- Open The Door By Attacking You…. Because They Know You Will Attack Back
- Open The Door By Arguing With You… Because They Know You Will Want To Jump In And Debate With Their Stupidity
- Open The Door With Gossip… Because They Know You Will Want to Listen And Add Your Comments…
‘Do not do as the wicked do, or follow the path of evil doers. Avoid their haunts, turn away and go somewhere else. For evil people cannot sleep until they have done their evil deed for the day; they cannot rest until they have caused someone to stumble.’ Proverbs 4:14-16
‘My child, if someone entices you, turn your back upon them.’ Proverbs 1:10

IV. LEARN TO USE WORDS THAT BUILD UP

‘The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the Godly save lives.’ Proverbs 12:6
‘A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.’ Proverbs 15:1
‘When arguing with fools, don’t answer their foolish arguments or you become as foolish as they are.’ Proverbs 26:4