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

This verse makes me think of every man who has spoken harsh words to me — my dad, bosses, coaches, and friends. Even though I cannot remember many of the things they said, I can remember the crushing experience of the harsh words they spoke.

And yet, the very next thought I have is about all the harsh words I have spoken. Words that have broken the spirit of my wife, kids, employees, and friends.

Yet there is hope in this proverb. It's a different approach and manner of speaking. One that is not perverse. It is a soft and gentle redirection that promotes life. It results in growth, budding, and fruitfulness in another. Instead of destroying someone, it guides them to become someone more.

And this is what wise men know how to do. They know how to use words so that it guides others to become more than they are at present. Sometimes this is a word of redirection spoken gently. Sometimes it is a word of encouragement that promotes continued growth.

Today I want to challenge you to speak gentle words of redirection. When allowed to correct another person, instead of being harsh, hateful, and hurtful, take a new approach. Take a second or two, and catch yourself in that heated moment. Then take a deep breath, and hold your tongue. Then when your heart, mind, and mouth are ready, give correction but give it ever so gently. And then pray that your redirection will take hold deeper within their heart. Don't become a bad memory of a harsh word spoken to people you love. Be a wise man, lead better, and guide people with gentler words.

ASK THIS: Who in your life needs a more gentle correction?

DO THIS: Speak and lead gently.

PRAY THIS: God, convict me when I am harsh. Give me a more gentle approach. Use me to speak carefully to others.

PLAY THIS: I Speak Jesus — We Be Lions.

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