A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath, But A Harsh Word Stirs Up Anger

PROVERBS 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
”‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15:1‬ ‭NKJV‬
‬https://www.bible.com/114/pro.15.1.nkj

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It’s not always easy to respond in an argument with a whisper, but the truth is, a gentle well thought out answer brings power and leads to peace.
However, once control is lost, and the mouth begins to respond loud without thought; not only do you lose the argument, but you are likely to damage relationships and break friendships.
A rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response.
There will always be times when we have different opinions, but the truth is, sometimes we need to gracefully and respectfully agree to disagree.
My brethren, swallow your pride, it is an abomination to the Lord (PROVERBS 16:5).
Of course, it’s important to be truthful and not come into agreement with a lie just to please, but the importance of winning, cannot and never will justify damaging a relationship. Once you have said that really offensive statement, you can apologise, but you cannot unsay it. The damage is done.
“I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭14‬-‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
My brothers and sisters in Christ, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21:23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
At times, whether as a mother or a father, or as a disciple of Christ, or in any position of leadership, we will need to bring discipline to others.
But it’s not good to discipline from rage or bitterness, but rather from a loving heart, diplomatically with truth and justice.
Choosing your words carefully will teach and encourage, but uncontrolled words of hate bring curses and division.
But keeping control of one’s tongue is not always easy. James tells us, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.”
‭‭James‬ ‭3:1-12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
But what is it that makes our tongue such a difficult member to control?
Our emotions, which are often fed by whispers of the demonic, are so often allowed to rule in our hearts.
Emotions were not designed to bring discernment. Yet all too often, we allow our emotions to do just that.
When the devil is whispering to stir up wrong emotions or fill you with lies, whether through people or directly into your soul, tell him, “get behind me Satan (MATHEW 16:21-23).”
We tell ourselves, “It must be true”, not because of any facts, but because of how one feels.
Emotions, whether they come from truth or lies will bring blessings or cursing from one’s mouth.
When discerning any situation, put aside your emotions and look at only the facts and ask God to bring revelation and truth with confirmation.
It is not our place as believers to revenge, but rather to bring truth and loving discipline when led by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:17-21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
My beloved, “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.