๐๐จ๐๐ญ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ก, ๐๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐๐ก
โ๐๐ง ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐จ ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก, ๐ฐ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ก ๐ญ๐๐ค๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ; ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐๐๐ค ๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐, ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ง๐.โ
Words are powerful; they can heal, build, and inspire, or wound, destroy, and discourage. However, our text today in Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that, โA soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.โ This wisdom becomes a guiding warning in our current environment, where communication can be both gentle and terrible.
When we choose to respond to any commotion with kindness and gentleness, we diffuse the situation. Through it, we can pacify our wrath and allow the power of Godโs love to flow through us. In a world where ideas clash like titans, Proverbs 15:1 invites us to establish a language of peace and be careful in our replies.
Gracious speech, like a balm, heals wounds and fosters understanding. Conversely, the reckless words of a fool can be self-destructive, swallowing up the speaker in the consequences of their own making. Ecclesiastes 10:12 says, โThe words of a wise manโs mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.โ
There is creative and destructive potential residing in our words. The tongue can either bring life and encouragement or cause destruction and despair. It challenges us to be mindful of the fruit our words bear. Proverbs 18:21 says, โDeath and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.โ
The Bible highlights the importance of gracious speech โseasoned with saltโ, just as salt not only flavors but also prevents corruption. Colossians 4:6 says, โLet your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.โ Our speech should act not only as a blessing but as a purifying influence within our decaying society.
James reminds us in James 1:19โ20, โWherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.โ It is important to remember that responding with anger only leads to wrath, but responding with love and kindness produces the righteousness that God desires.
Brethren, I encourage you to choose your words carefully and respond with a soft answer, even in the face of anger. Allow the love of Christ to flow through you, and trust in His power to turn any situation around you.
Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh (John 1:14), displays grace in all interactions, a perfect example of excellent communication. As we attempt to imitate Him, Proverbs 15:1 becomes a guiding light, directing us toward peace and understanding.
May our speech reflect the gentleness of Christ, turning away wrath and sowing seeds of peace in a world hungry for His love.
Always Begin With Godโฆ
Prayer: Lord, grant us the wisdom to speak with grace, the discernment to season our words with truth, and the humility to learn from Your example. May our speech reflect the gentleness of Christ, turning away wrath and sowing seeds of peace in a world hungry for Your love. Amen.
