Christian Living

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A SOFT ANSWER FOR A BIG BULLY

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1 NKJV


It was Monday morning. I got to school around 7:45 a.m. As I was walking down the hallway I heard Eric stomping down the hall behind me. I wasn’t really afraid of him but I sure didn’t want to get caught out in the hallway with him all by myself.He was the biggest fourth grader in school and he was a big bully.

I hurried into the classroom and slid into my seat. If I just kept busy getting my books and
homework out of my book bag maybe he would just leave me alone. My parents were against me getting into fights anywhere, especially at school.

Slowly I glanced up from my desk as Eric stormed into the room. The dark scowl on his
face assured all of us he was really in a bad mood today. None of us were eager to become the center of his attention. It always meant someone would get hurt or into trouble.

As Eric shoved his way down the aisle he decided to take his anger out on Linda by knocking
her books onto the floor as he went by her desk. A look of satisfaction appeared on his face.

“Why does he get so much fun out of being mean?” I wondered.

“Eric Simpson report to my office immediately. Your father wishes to see you. Eric Simpson report to my office immediately,” the Principal’s voice shouted over the intercom.

We all turned around to look at Eric just in time to see all of his books fall to the floor. The faster he hurried the more things he seemed to drop. He really looked upset. For the moment he wasn’t looking so smart. Surprisingly he looked frightened. That didn’t make any sense. He wasn’t afraid of anything or anybody. At least, I didn’t think he was.

Our Sunday School lesson had been on Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turneth away wrath; but
grievous words stir up anger.” Taking a deep breath I decided to put our Scripture lesson to
the test.

“Let me help you,” I said as I bent down to help him gather up his books. This took him by surprise. Very calmly I suggested he should go on to the office. I assured him that I would pick up the rest of his things and put them on his desk. This time I was surprised. Eric sighed and said, “Thanks kid.”

Everyone sat in stunned silence as he left the room. The angry look was gone. Instead he looked lonely and worried.

I slowly stood up, still amazed. I had just witnessed Proverbs 15:1 work right in front of my
very own eyes. I couldn’t wait to tell everyone in Sunday School about what had happened in class this week. Maybe Eric wasn’t so bad after all.

Jesus, help us kids listen to what You teach us from the Bible. Help us to be an example of Your love and kindness so our friends will want to know You too. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Closing Thought

The Bible tells us how important children were to Jesus. We have an important place in God’s family. He has given us things we can do for Him that will cause our friends to want to know Jesus too.

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