Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs
Through the weekly and daily devotionals you can be constantly encouraged in your great role of parenting, the highest career in the nation. You can also stay updated on what's happening with the Above Rubies ministry.
THE TONE OF VOICE
THE TONE OF VOICEIt’s not so much what you say
As the manner in which you say it,
It’s not so much the language you use
As the tone in which you convey it.
“Come here” I said,
And the child cowered and wept.
“Come here,” I said—
He looked and smiled,
And straight to my lap he crept.
Words may be mild and fair,
And the tone may pierce like a dart,
Words may be soft as the summer air,
But the tone may break my heart.
For words come from my mind
Grow by study and art—
But tone leaps from the inner self
Revealing the state of the heart.
Whether you know it or not,
Whether you mean or care,
Gentleness, kindness, love, and hate,
Envy, anger, are there.
Then, would you quarrels avoid
And peace and love rejoice?
Keep anger not only out of your words—
Keep it out of your voice.
~ Unknown
Painting: Arthur John Elsley
