Amongst the relatively few words specifically addressing fathers, Ephesians 6:4 commands us to avoid provoking our children to anger.  This command is applicable to mothers as well although it seems Paul directs it towards fathers because we have a greater tendency to err in this way. 

I was reminded of this verse recently when, as a family, we read Proverbs 15:1.  While this verse may be quite familiar to many of us, it may be helpful to thoughtfully and specifically apply it to our interaction with our children. 

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

How often do our children bristle with angry rebellion in part because of our harsh words towards them?  Do we deny that we are angry with our children even while our voices reveal that they have violated some idol of convenience or ease?

May our homes be marked by careful, gentle, and edifying speech.

This entry was posted by Tim Pickard on Monday, January 29th, 2007 at 10:48 am and is filed under Main. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.