Sunday, May 11, 2014

Gentle answer



Today’s verses are 1 Samuel 10:1-11:15, John 6:43-7:1 Psalm 107:1-43 and Proverbs 15:1-3

Gentle answer!

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.

I always quote this verse to my children and my husband.  I also have to remind myself to use it because I can be a very passionate person at times. When listening to the way people speak to each other, both young and old it is very shocking to my ears.  We can ignite anger and hate in a person so quickly and most times a softer tone and word can ease the anger and calm the storm in a person.  Here is a commentary I found informative.


A soft answer turneth away wrath
Mild words, gentle expressions, delivered with kindness and tenderness, humility and submission; these will work upon a man's passions, weaken his resentments, and break and scatter the storm of wrath raised in his breast, just breaking forth in a very boisterous and blustering manner; so high winds are sometimes laid by soft showers. Thus the Ephraimites were pacified by Gideon's mild answer; and David by Abigail's very submissive and respectful address, ( Judges 8:1-3 ) ( 1 Samuel 25:25-32 ) ; but grievous words stir up anger;
such as are rough and menacing, scornful and sneering, reproachful and reviling, proud, haughty, and overbearing; like those of Jephthah to the Ephraimites; and of the Ephraimites to the Gileadites; and of Nabal to David's servants, concerning him; and of Rehoboam, who answered the people roughly: in all which instances anger was stirred up, and either were or like to have been attended with bad consequences, ( Judges 12:1-4 ) ( 1 Samuel 25:10 1 Samuel 25:11 1 Samuel 25:21 1 Samuel 25:22 ) ( 1 Kings 12:13 1 Kings 12:14 ) . Or a "word" causing, or rather expressing, "grief" F18; upbraiding others with being the cause of grief to them.

So this week when speaking to someone you know is upset about something.  Respond gently and see how it can put out the fire burning in anger. Pray for that person.

Kelly Schlotter

No comments: