Scold: verb, remonstrate with or rebuke (someone) angrily

The term is associated with nagging and grumbling. It gets things done–but in a way that is similar to the way whining children get things done–negatively.

No wise person wants to live in a world without rebuke. We desperately need correction in order to grow.

But angrily? Usually not necessary. And I do it more often than I’d like to admit.

Scolding, as speech habit, is a sign of burnout. When your appeals fall on deaf ears, it’s easy to become angry–and then to begin delivering all the correction in a scolding tone. It takes work to deliver the rebuke in a more hopeful way.

I had a coach that refused to scold. He still yelled a lot. But the motivational energy in his body language, his tone, and his word choice was inspiring and positive–making me feel like I really could become better.

This was a far cry from the scolder who made me feel like couldn’t do anything right–so why even try?

There’s a Proverb in the Bible that compares a wise rebuke to a gold ring or a golden ornament. Let’s dress them up with some well crafted, hopeful correction.

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4