A Soft Answer

The Proverbs writer stated, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). There are times which certain situations are at their breaking point. What is said next will determine how this situation will end. One may choose to speak with a tone that is strong and fierce in the hopes that the offended party will back down and quell the problem. Most likely, what will happen if this occurs? Usually, anger begets anger. Kindness, on the other hand, usually begets kindness. Understandably, there are times in which a strong rebuke is to be given (Ephesians 5:11) but often it is not the solution to the problem. One should be reminded of the Apostle Paul, who wielded the rod but begged Philemon to take back Onesimus (1 Corinthians 4:21; Philemon 1:8-9). While the truth is never to be compromised remember that Christians are to speak “…the truth in love…” (Ephesians 4:15).