Proverbs 15:1: A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Insight
It is considered unmanly by many not to resent an insult, and to allow wrathful words to pass unchallenged; but it takes far more true character to meet an angry man in quietness of spirit, and to return cool, calm words for heated, hasty ones, than it does to give railing for railing, or malice for malice. The latter bespeaks a man who does not yet know how to rule his spirit; the former, one who has his personal feelings in subjection. Grievous words but add fuel to the flame, while a gracious demeanor will go far towards cooling the angry passions of another. 1
Application
Remember the wisdom from Proverbs 10:12: “Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.” – In what way are you being challenged today to cover the sin of another? Please note that the request is not to cover up sin, but to extend the kind of love that may allow another to seek repentance from God. Choose your words and your action wisely.
Motivation
Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?” John 18:23
An unspoken word has seldom been the catalyst for a heated dispute. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please restrain me from saying regrettable words.
1. Ironside, H. A. (1908). Notes on the Book of Proverbs. Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Bros.
