Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 15:1

by David Chadwick

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Proverbs 15:1

Have you ever had someone speak an angry word toward you? Maybe a friend? Your spouse? A boss at work? We live in a broken world where self-control is lacking and anger is commonplace.

Angry words can trigger shame, condemnation, and deep pain. It can be very hard to navigate angry words. So how should you respond when someone speaks angrily toward you?

The answer to this question and so many others can be found in the book of Proverbs. This book gives us practical wisdom for everyday life. It provides the answers to confusing questions and the knowledge to handle the difficult things we face.

In Proverbs 15:1, Solomon gave us the best answer for how to handle an angry attack. The answer might shock you! He says that “a soft answer turns away wrath.” When someone speaks an angry word against you, a gentle response without a lot of emotion is sure to confound the angry assailant.

Whereas an angry response only intensifies the anger, gentleness leaves the angry person dumbfounded. A soft response almost sedates the fury coming from the other person.

When you respond to someone's anger toward you with a soft answer, it ratchets down the emotion. It prevents anger from increasing. It gives the angry person a chance to calm down and engage in a civil conversation. That is always the best option to keep a relationship intact.

One of my favorite quotes that I have heard over the years says, “If you fight might with might, it usually leads to trouble.” Anger begets anger. Wrath begets wrath. Kindness begets kindness. After all, you reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7-9).

Sow softness, gentleness, and kindness. Yes, even in the midst of anger. And watch as God works on your behalf.