God's Glory Church

“A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1

Have you ever met a rattlesnake? If so, then you probably noticed that the closer you got to her, the louder she made the sound. A study in the scientific journal Current Biology shows that when a threat approaches, snakes increase their warning sounds. This “high frequency sound” tricks us into thinking that the snakes are closer than they really are. One researcher noted, “The listener’s misinterpretation of distance … creates a safe distance between him and the snake.”

People also sometimes raise their voices by saying harsh words, which prompts others to distance themselves from them during conflict. They express their anger and turn to shouting. The author of the Book of Proverbs gives wise advice: “A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1). He further says that “gentle” and wise words can be a “tree of life” and a source of “knowledge” (vv. 4, 7).

The Lord Jesus gave the most important reasons for being gentle with those with whom we have a conflict: the manifestation of love that shows that we are His children (Mt. 5:43-45), and the search for reconciliation that helps us to “gain a brother” (Mt. 18:15). Instead of raising our voice or using unkind words during conflicts, let us, with God’s help, show wisdom and love to others.

Why is it difficult to be gentle and loving during conflict? How can the Holy Spirit help you be more careful with your words and actions?

Heavenly Father, help me to lovingly speak my mind to someone with whom I disagree.

By Our Daily Bread Ministries