Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 15
Gold Nugget
Verse 1,2,4,28: 1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. 28 The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.
Commentary
I have some experience in arguments. I have some communication skills and can make my points without raising my voice, swinging my arms around, etc. (unless I'm preaching) Some people use the escalation of voices and insults to the point sometimes of physical violence. My soft answers did not always turn away wrath. 1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger That didn't mean however, that my "soft" answers were helpful words. 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. My "soft" words were not necessarily "right" words. Eventually the lack of agreement would lead to an escalation of voices and threats. When the emotions begin to flow, the accusations would soon follow. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, That was not truth and the perversion of truth breaks the spirit. But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
We must develop some skills from His Word like the ones mentioned in this chapter:
- A soft answer does turn away wrath (if the next is true)
- The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly
- A wholesome tongue is a tree of life
- The heart of the righteous studies how to answer
- Harsh words stir up anger
- The mouth of a fool pours forth foolishness
- Perverseness (speaking false accusations) does break the spirit
- The mouth of a fool pours forth evil
Lord, thank you for the opportunity to see the areas of my life that need attention. Give me the strength to use these truths when I communicate with others. I want to be a better example of your love when dealing with conflict. Help me to know that my tongue can bring death or life. I want to be a life giver. One who uses words to help and encourage.
Amen
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I've learned that those who are accustomed to yelling and screaming aren't able at first to hear soft words. Repeated opportunities will, in time, yield fruit from soft words once the receiver becomes accustomed to the manner of speaking.
ReplyDeleteWell said. I have also learned to be sure that my soft response has to also be carefully screened for accuracy and intent in order to be received. If intentions are pure, constructive and as you mentioned, repeated in love, it will produce the fruit of peace. Thanks for the insightful comment! I hope to see you here again.
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