Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
It is such a challenge to return gentleness and calm words when we are confronted with anger. I certainly am not confronted with anger very often, but it does happen from time to time. All of my own insecurities come to the forefront, and I want to defend or even fight back. But what a lesson this can be!
Father God, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I know I can do things differently, and better. Help me to be calm in the face of anger, and to see and seize opportunities to respond calmly and kindly, without giving anger in return for anger. Amen
Becky, transforming
Friday February 17th, 2023
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Gentle speaking verses harsh speaking. In Proverbs 15:1 a wise choice is presented first: “a soft answer turns away wrath.” Speaking a soft answer means responding with gentleness and patience in a way that removes anger and keeps the situation from escalating. “A harsh word stirs up anger.” The unwise choice is to respond unkindly, rashly, and in anger. In my spiritual journey I have to say this was a very valuable lesson .To be ready with a soft answer that turns away wrath, I had to make the daily choice to nurture and develop patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. Growin…
Proverbs 15:1 Life teaches this lesson over and over again. My problem is not so much learning it as remembering and doing it at the times it is needed most. I have matured over many years of courtroom testimony and manage to avoid responding to mocking, sarcastic and insulting questions or comments by people paid to make me seem incompetent in a way that makes me appear angry or defensive. Relying on that experience and translating it into my daily life is what Scripture teaches.
Prayer - God of patience, grace me with gentle words when confronted with harsh words from another that could provoke anger. Let me throw abundant water on these fires rather than gasoline. Amen
TAA