By definition, a tongue-lashing is a loud or severe scolding.
When I read the definition, the image that comes to mind is Sargent Carter from the 1960’s sitcom Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. On the show, Sarge was often seen giving a real tongue-lashing to Gomer. While his harsh correction would have incensed most people, Gomer, a good ol’ country boy, would smile, agree and thank Sargent Carter for caring. Although tongue-lashings are no joke, it was an interesting dynamic, and seemed funny at the time.
As I watched Missy cleaning her puppies before, during and after feedings, the term tongue-lashing would also come to mind (for different reasons, of course). In this instance, Missy would use her tongue to stimulate elimination, and then clean the puppies and their waste. Sometimes, she would lick the puppies so vigorously that their small bodies would bounce up in the air and land back on her tongue for more. It was fascinating to watch, and I would catch myself smiling at the cartoon-like activity. I also felt concerned about what seemed like rougher-than-necessary handling to complete the task. The puppies never whined or cried in the process, however, and would soon fall peacefully asleep in the cradle of their mother’s body.
These two scenarios run parallel to each other in the use of the term, yet intersect the Biblical example found in scripture. Hebrews 12:11 says:
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Bobby McFerrin sang the scripture beautifully, and the truth of this scripture lesson is foundational in the School of Life. If you feel like you are being disciplined, play the song, sing along and rest in the knowledge that a harvest is in the making!
Jim Nabors, in a 1964 episode of Gomer, U.S.M.C., getting chewed out by Frank Sutton as Gunnery Sgt. Vince Carter. 
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