Harsh Words by Stan Mitchell
I remember in college (extremely good memory, right?) going out after studies with friends. We were young and energetic, and with typical youthful zest, we would kid and tease each other.
Mostly this was all in good fun, but there were times when the teasing went too far, and someone was hurt. It was at this point that one friend made use of a gentle answer that kindly, yet effectively, put an end to the joking.
He would say, “I love you, too.”
The wise man of Proverbs says something similar:
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger,” (Proverbs 15:1, ESV).
We’ve all been there. In a marriage, or a discussion with friends, with a church problem, the emotions rise, the disagreements heats up, emotions are raw. Then, someone rises in anger, a bitter denunciation on his lips, on the cusp of being delivered.
This is a decisive moment, the instant when an angry word will ignite an explosion, or a gentle answer will douse the flames.
Next time you’re in that situation, think of a gentle answer.