Day 88 – Answer Softly – It Is Wisdom

 ‘A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger’ Proverbs 15:1

Every day we are faced with the challenge of being tempted to be angry in our dealings with people. It is also important to note that what we say to people, or how we respond to others, can make others to be angry. The Message version says ‘A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire’.

When communication begins between two people, each person’s response and counter response will determine the direction and likely end of the conversation. On a general note, hot tempered response leads to sustained argument that can end up in a bad place. The believer can be trained to control how conversations go in the marketplace, or in the family. This is because we have the spirit of God in us and He can help us overcome the natural tendencies of the flesh. Eph. 4:26 (New Century Version) says ‘When you are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry before the end of the day’ – we are not immune from anger, but we have the ability to stop being angry if we will respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

As you face the day, determine not to be annoyed by what you hear and if you feel angry, be slow to respond and give a soft response. Be careful how you talk to people so that they do not get angry. Consider the following scriptures (New Century Version): Pr. 15:18 ‘people with quick tempers cause trouble, but those who control their tempers stop quarrel’; Pr. 15:28 ‘good people think before they answer, but the wicked simply pour out evil’. Determine to be an agent of peace at home, at work and in the society. God will give you wisdom. You are blessed.