Proverbs: Gentle answer turns away wrath

Sometimes I have been known to be very blunt. Sometimes it’s a badge of honor and then other times I regret it.

News flash: Preachers are human too.

I have learned when having to tell folks, “No,” or explain a sensitive subject to someone ready to argue, that Momma was right when she said, “You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.”

I just wish I would do a better job of practicing what I’ve learned.

Solomon offers wise advice about how to respond to anger. Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”

He says a gentle reply to someone angry can defuse a potentially explosive situation. The word translated “wrath” here means rage.

When we think about rage do our thoughts go to being behind the steering wheel of a vehicle or being in control of our tongues? This kind of anger can eventually lead to conflict. When we’re insulted or angry, it is so easy to furiously respond to rage with rage.

And when we do it only makes matters worse. Hurtful, bitter responses only cause the enraged person’s anger to escalate; which results in further hostility.

Now someone with a cool temper refuses to fight fire with fire. That wise person answers gently, and that gentleness extinguishes the fire. At the very least, it gives no more fuel for it to burn. The calm, polite response takes a great deal of tension out of an argument.

This response calls for wisdom, thoughtfulness, concern for the other person, and self-discipline. I know, I know. Some of you might be thinking that is a tall order for you. “Im just short-tempered, Preacher Man.” Believe me; I understand. Even Jesus lost his cool from time to time. Ask yourself, are you trying to solve the problem or win a fight?

Take a breath. Count to 10. Pray! Do something that will get you in the right frame of mind. By then you might have that soft answer to help calm the situation. Here the bottom line. The believer’s responsibility is to show kindness to an enemy: Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Blan Chrane is the Minister with the Northcrest Church of Christ You can listen to his morning devotionals “The Minister Minute” on KNES 99.1 Monday through Friday at 6 a.m.