Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  We’ve all been told to “think before you speak”, and here is a great way to remember to THINK.

Start with the T, before you speak, think, is it true? Then H, is it helpful? Next I, is it inspiring? Then N, is it necessary? And finally K, is it kind? 

Please take the time to talk to your children about what they are saying either to you, a friend or to a teacher and ask them the 5 THINK questions: Is what you are saying;  true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind.  Perhaps then your child will be more conscious about what they are saying. Once your child takes some time to thing before they speak, hopefully they will realize that what they are saying could either be revised or restated.  This is a great lesson for adults as well.

“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who are truthful.”  (Proverbs 12:22)  Words that are true and kind have a way of softening any situation.  “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” Mother Teresa