“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”-Proverbs 15:1 NLT
There are examples throughout the ages of a kind word deflecting anger. The people of Ephraim were angry with Gideon for his actions, but Gideon spoke calmly regarding those actions, explaining the ‘why’ of it and they were satisfied. Judges 8:1-3 NLTSolomon speaks of how we handle words several times in chapter 15 of Proverbs. Verse 2 says: “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.” Verse 7 says: “The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give.” Verse 18 says: “A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.” And finally, verse 23 says: “Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time.”
Words are very powerful. They can build up or destroy depending on how they are used. It is generally understood that gentle, tender, considerate words will tend to pacify a situation leading to peace. Harsh words, filled with anger, just make things worse. How did Jesus handle situations of this nature? With the moneychangers in the Temple area as the lone exception, Jesus displayed no anger. He spoke no harsh words against anyone that would incite trouble in and of themselves. People seeking to stir things up, so to speak, will read certain unsavory things in comments or statements made, but that is to their detriment.
Always seek to build up and encourage others. Never speak out of turn or allow others to defeat you with their negativism. Turn it aside and make it into a positive moment. There is no reason to incite anger with words. Speak with passivity, creating a greater opportunity of peace. Allow yourself to be led by the Holy Spirit and not by your own thoughts and feelings, for they will often betray you. Lean on the Lord when you feel you’re losing your grip on a given situation. The Lord wants you to succeed more than you do. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlkeller
Resources: NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible; NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible; Reformation Study Bible; The Life Application Study Bible and www.biblegateway.com
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