Courageous Joy

PARENTING/DISCIPLINE IN PROVERBS - Ch 15 - CONTROL YOUR TONGUE!!!

I had no idea there would be so MUCH in Proverbs on parenting. I suspect it was breaking out of the "find the rod, commands to children" box that opened my eyes to so many other verses that speak to my parenting/discipline/training of my children. There are so many today that I will take it in chunks.

THESE VERSES AREN'T ON PARENTING!!!! Sure they are. Why would I treat my children worse that any other person to whom I speak? They are HUMAN - they deserve my godly response as well as Sister Jones. Would you talk to your minister the way you address your children? There is more to controlling one's tongue than avoiding gossip.

15:1 - "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

15: 2 "The tongue of the wise makes knowledge ACCEPTABLE, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly."

~Does it seem that your children aren't accepting your teaching? How well have you been controlling your tongue? Are you teaching wisdom or folly? Do your words bring life or are you maiming with your bursts of angry words?

15:4 "A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but perversion in it crushes the spirit."

~What a great verse....such vivid words.....soothing, tree of life, crushes...

15:7 "The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of the fools are not so."

15:18 "A hot tempered man stirs up strife but the slow to anger calms a dispute."

15:23 "A man has joy in an apt (Very Appropriate) answer, and how delightful is a timely word."

~How often are the words I speak to my children very appropriate and timely? My goal is for this to be the characterization of my speech - with all whom I interact.

15:28 "The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things."

~Am I pondering or pouring????? I don't have to have a reply the minute my child asks....they learn to wait as I ponder...and they eventually realize that I take their questions seriously if I take the time to respond wisely. Now, I don't ponder EVERY little thing or I'd drive them to frustration....Three days later, "yes, I think it would be wise and encourage godliness in you to go play with Ashley." ::snort::