“A gentle
answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. ... The soothing
tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:1,
4
You’ve
no doubt heard the phrase “you catch more flies with honey than with
vinegar”. If you are at odds with
someone, being kind to them will defuse the situation more times than not. Some folks are just itching for a fight for
one reason or another, but if you stay calm you have a greater chance of turning away wrath.
Even
in the most difficult of circumstances the soothing tongue and the peaceful
spirit will fare much better in the end than the one who whips up the waves
with their fury. Those who brow beat
another will crush their spirit.
Speaking with a soothing tone will bring healing to their soul.
Too
many times a perverse tongue lashes out from a position of inner pain and
frustration. That doesn’t make it right,
but it can reveal a hurt that we can help heal.
It is at that precise moment that we need to see the individual through
the eyes of God. They may be a lost soul
crying out for love and understanding.
They may also just be a mean-spirited person who enjoys riling things
up. In either case, it comes from an
inner turmoil that may be deep rooted.
We can begin a process that will place a salve on their bruised spirit
that may be the first step toward salvation.
God loves those who are hateful just the same as He loves us. We must see it just that way and be that healing balm. Until next time, walk with the King and be a
blessing!
