Pondering Proverbs

A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. Proverbs 15:1

Have you ever been in a fraught situation where the quiet words of a gentle person has defused the situation. Disagreements can be compared to a fire. In response to a fire, we can do one of two things. We can either fuel it to keep it going and growing, or we can put it out.

On every trip they take, frequent fliers hear these words from the flight attendant: “In an emergency, please make sure your oxygen mask is in place before assisting your child with their mask.”

Have you ever wondered why this instruction is given? Because if a parent can’t breathe, they can’t help their child, and before they know it, neither of parent or child is breathing. The same is true with our emotions. If we cannot control our anger or other emotions, we certainly can’t expect others to be self-controlled...

Throughout the Bible, it is assumed that anger is a part of life, and that there is an appropriate response to it. It is very rare, however, that anger or aggression is a correct response. Gentleness is a divine trait: nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing is so gentle as real strength. Gentle words, quiet words, are, after all, the most powerful words. They are more convincing, more compelling, more prevailing." 

Dear Word of Life, may our words be shaped by a heart that is more and more in line with yours. Help me to develop the habit of gentle, wise words. Amen.