“A fool gives full vent to his spirit but a wise man quietly holds it back.”  Proverbs 29:11

I recently shared this verse with a child of mine who has consistent struggles with angry outbursts.  We have talked about it over and over in the context of loving their siblings.  As I’ve read this chapter many times over this past month, I was struck at how relevant this verse was to me as I relate to my kids.

In the name of discipline or correction I can so often lash out and give ‘full vent to my spirit’.  I justify my anger because they have done wrong, they should know better, I’m simply irritated with them, or they somehow deserve my wrath.

“Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?  There is more hope for a fool than for him.”  Proverbs 29: 20

Having been a mother for over 12 years I am very aware than I cannot pull myself up by my bootstraps and try harder to be more gracious with my words.  I can not change because of any determination of my will.  Where is my hope?  It’s only by realizing the lavish love and kindness that God has shown me am I able to give that to others.  He who has been forgiven much, loves much.

I have been freshly convicted through these proverbs of how quickly I can lash out for any number of reasons at my kids.  If I am not hasty in my words, it means I am stopping and thinking before I speak, before I interact.  Jesus, please help me to be wise!