By Grace Shiflett
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1
Recently, someone came to my house needing advice about a very personal situation. I could tell the lady was braced for things to get heated, expecting me to answer her in the same tone that she was using toward me. As the conversation progressed, I purposed to do my best to defuse her hostility by responding with a soft answer. She did not expect that! A few minutes into the conversation, I saw the firmness in her countenance and her tone of voice slowly change. By the end of our chat, she and I were both smiling. After she left my house, I thought, "How I wish I would always try to respond with a soft answer and not grievous words."
So many times, we could avoid major conflicts if we would just choose to respond with soft words.
Tender words do not always come easy but when they do come, the outcome can leave us with little to no regret. From time to time, we will be faced with situations in life that can quickly be resolved if we would live by this verse — Proverbs 15:1.
When times of conflict come your way, ask the Lord to help you get into the habit of learning to control your words. It is not worth ruining the evening with your family, creating more conflict in your church or ministry, or causing friendships to be strained. A wise man once said, "You are the master of your words until they are spoken; then, they become the master of you."
Purpose in your heart with the Lord's help to choose a soft answer. You will be glad you did!
*This was a short excerpt from our upcoming devotional.
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