Proverbs 15

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Proverbs 15:4 ESV

Have you ever had ‘venom’ in your voice? We mamas will often be frustrated, tired, exasperated, or more, and then our little ones (or big ones) do something that just sends us over the top. When my boys were little, I could control my tongue, for the most part, until that embarrassing moment in public. Then, with ‘venom’ in my voice, I would hiss, quietly, in their ears to “knock it off!” When I realized that my venom was about my pride and not truly teaching my children, I asked God to please reconcile the ‘public’ me with the ‘private’ me so that He could use me to fill my children with gentleness and calm in order to retain life and joy. Thankfully, God is always gentle. He whispers lovingly in our ears that all will be ok. He speaks words of wisdom and kindness and joy, even in the midst of our own temper tantrums. With that example, I was able to begin to see that when I speak with a gentle tongue to my children, I am helping them to see the life of words–and the life of goodness, forgiveness, and restoration.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I still speak harshly way more than I wish I did, but when it does happen, I know to ask for their forgiveness, without making excuses, and then reconcile our relationship. May God help us to see those opportunities to speak with a gentle tongue in order to bring life into the lives of others.