Proverbs 15:1
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
We often turn a conversation into an argument, even a fight, after one person raises his or her voice. A rising voice or harsh words almost always trigger an angry response. Imagine arguing in a whisper - You might find it equally difficult to argue with someone who insists on answering gently or softly because there is no fuel to the fire of wrath. This verse reminds us that the most enraged will often be disarmed by gentleness, but harsh words will always lead to more anger. When someone has wronged or disappointed us, we often express our feelings by accusing others. For example, when we no longer feel loved in a relationship, we say, "You don't love me anymore." Or when our friends haven't contacted us for a while, we say, "You don't care about me anymore." Instead of communicating how we feel, we immediately start blaming others. The other person will most likely get defensive and start an argument. What if we gently express our needs and feelings by saying, "I don't feel loved anymore," or a simple "I miss you"? It is easier for others to listen to us when we communicate our needs calmly and without blaming anyone. Kindness produces kindness, and anger produces anger. Universal experience confirms this proverb.
Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
James 1:20
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Psalms 103:8
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.