«The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive» (Proverbs 16:21, NLT).
EDUCATION
Ellen White commented that Martin Luther was treated very harshly during his years through grade school»—The Great Controversy, ch. 7, p. 121. James Atkinson adds the following: «Luther developed an exceptional command of Latin and became a very competent musician. But he never stopped seeing school as hell on earth and his teachers as tyrants and executioners»—Martin Luther and the Birth of Protestantism, London: Marshall, Morgan, and Scott, 1982. A teacher thought of as a torturer. Luther remembered how his teacher had beaten him no less than fifteen times in one morning. What do you think about that?
For some reason, there are teachers who believe that harsh, aggressive, and threatening attitudes encourage student learning. I had a teacher in an electrical power class during high school that confused us with prisoners of war. His constant yelling, his blood-red eyes, his bullying and arrogant attitude were the daily bread. He seemed to enjoy looking upon us helpless and terrified listening to him as we crouched behind our desks. But as a method of teaching, surely that is not the best. I will never forget Professor Trujillo, who taught biology class, whose taste for teaching and personal optimism was reflected in his words. He never raised his voice. His smile disarmed our intentions to behave badly. His words made learning very pleasant. Nor can I forget the language class teacher, who illustrated the grammatical rules with amusing anecdotes of his childhood, which favored the memorization of them.
«To the teacher is committed a great work—a work for which, in his own strength, he is wholly insufficient. Yet if, realizing his own weakness, he clings to Jesus, he will become strong in the strength of the Mighty One. He must bring to his difficult task the patience, forbearance, and gentleness of Christ. His heart must glow with the same love that led the Lord of life and glory to die for a lost world. Patience and perseverance will not fail of a reward. The best efforts of the faithful teacher will sometimes prove unavailing, yet he will see fruit for his labor. Noble characters and useful lives will richly repay his toil and care»—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, sec. 7, p. 236.
Ask God to help you be kind with your words. This is conducive to learning and teaching in all areas of your life.