A Soft Answer

As we continue our thoughts about the IMPORTANCE OF SPEECH, an individual's personality, words, tone of voice, and gestures communicates much good or bad to other people. A soft or kind or gentle word is very helpful to encourage, reassure, rethink, reconsider, arise above problems other people confront daily. A few biblical texts might be helpful along these lines.

Proverbs 15:1: "A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Every day, each person comes into contact with someone who is angry or a hothead. It is tempting to respond in like kind=to be angry in return. But a godly person must control his or her feelings and respond in love and respect. Speak softly, and that angry person will soon settle down and rethink his or her own attitude.

Colossians 4:6: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone."
All people carry heavy problems, issues, concerns each day. Let us try to be understanding and gracious about the feelings and concerns of others. Prayer is very helpful when confronted with difficult matters.

Proverbs 15:18: "Those who are hot-tempered stir up strife,
but those who are slow to anger calm contention."
Some people have short fuses. Someone has to step in and behave in a Christlike way. It is must better to calm a conflict than to fire back with a sharp tongue.

Ephesians 4:31-5:2: "Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wranging and slander together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us an gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
One will always be happy if he or she can control his or her feelings and words, and be kind to other people. This is very difficult. At the same time, it pays off. Try it today and tomorrow and through life. God is always present.

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John Willis