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Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Proverbs 14-15
2 Corinthians 8

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

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

Reflecting on God’s Word

Descilate.

That word has become pretty popular these days. Men and women in law enforcement are taught to deescalate a situation if someone is acting out. Teachers are taught before the school year begins how to deescalate a situation if a student acts out.

If we didn’t know any better, we would think that the concept of de-escalation is a fairly recent concept.

But it’s not.

Roughly 3,000 years ago (that’s 1,000 years before Jesus walked the earth), Solomon penned the words of Proverbs 15:1.

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

We have heard that “You fight fire with fire.” That plays out in situations where someone gets irate and then the other person responds in kind. Before you know it, emotions have hijacked logic and someone is probably going to get hurt.

We typically think that we exert power and authority when we elevate our voice and speak forcefully. We feel as if we have to at least match what’s coming at us, if not overpower it, in our response.

But the Bible calls us to realize that when we speak in a thoughtful and self-controlled manner, our words can be incredibly powerful!

Proverbs 25:15 (CSB): “A ruler can be persuaded through patience, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”

Friend, let’s remember what our God tells us about the power of our speech and approach, particularly to those who are acting out. Let’s remember that we have the ability to de-escalate, to calm things down.

Anyone can stir up conflict. But it takes someone with intentionality and self-control to throw water on a fire.

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you cultivate a quiet spirit, one that responds with love and kindness even in the fact of someone who may mistreat you with their words or actions.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into Proverbs 15:1, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“What does it mean that a soft answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1)?”

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of White Hall Baptist Church in Richmond, Kentucky (whitehallbaptistchurch.org)