PROVERBS 15
Proverbs 15:1
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."We’ve all been there, haven’t we? That moment when we know a soft word would be best—but everything inside us resists. When someone comes at us with frustration or anger, we sense that a gentle response could diffuse the situation… yet our emotions rise, and before we know it, our words come out sharp, defensive, and reactive.
In this simple but powerful proverb, Solomon offers us timeless wisdom: gentle words can calm a storm; harsh words will only stir it up further. And yet, in the heat of the moment, it’s so easy to forget. Our instinct is often to match energy with energy—anger for anger, volume for volume. But more often than not, that only escalates things.
During a previous season in my life, I worked with students who struggled with behavioral issues, and it didn’t take long to see this truth in action. When a student entered my office upset—whether at a situation, another person, or even me—my response almost always set the tone for what followed. If I reacted defensively or sternly, the temperature rose. But if I stayed calm, gentle, and respectful—even when firmness was required—something shifted. They didn’t always respond positively, but more often than not, the atmosphere softened. Tension gave way to trust.
What I learned in those moments applies to every part of life: our response matters. Whether with our spouse, our kids, a coworker, or even a stranger in line at the store, the way we speak can either pour water or gasoline on the fire. A gentle answer doesn’t mean we’re weak—it means we’re wise. It means we’re choosing peace over pride.
So the next time frustration rises—pause. Breathe. Ask the Lord to help you respond with calm and kindness, even when it’s hard. Sometimes, that simple choice can change everything.
PRAYERFather, help me respond with gentleness, even when emotions run high. Teach me to pause before I speak, and to choose words that bring peace and life rather than anger. Thank You for the gentle way You deal with me—may I reflect that same grace in how I speak to others. Amen.