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In Proverbs 15:1, Solomon highlights the power of soft words in diffusing conflicts. Instead of using harsh words that stir up anger, we should communicate our feelings in a quiet and gentle manner. This lesson is particularly important for parents, as our bad habits often rub off on our children.
To teach this lesson to my own children, I came up with a fun activity that helps them understand the impact of their words. First, I gave them a piece of sandpaper and asked them to rub it on their skin. Then, I asked them how it felt and if they would like others to rub them with sandpaper. Through this exercise, I explained to them how our anger is like sandpaper and how nobody wants to be treated that way.
Next, I gave them some cotton balls and let them rub them on each other’s skin. I explained to them that the cotton balls represent our kind words, which feel good to others. I then read Proverbs 15:1 to them again and told them that it tells us to use soft words to turn away anger.
To conclude the activity, I asked them to put glue on the sandpaper and place the cotton balls on top. This symbolizes the act of taking kind words and turning away anger. I also taught them a fun song (to the tune of Mulberrybush) to remember the verse: “A soft answer turns away wrath, turns away wrath, turns away wrath. A soft answer turns away wrath, Proverbs 15:1.”
I hope that this exercise helps my children (and anyone who tries it) to become more mindful of their words and communicate gently and respectfully.
I would love to try this with my niece!
Great idea! Hope you won’t mind that I use it for a children’s sermon!
i just love this its amazing