A War Of Words. Proverbs 15:1-23 15 A gentle answer turns anger away. But mean words stir up anger. 2 The tongues of wise people use knowledge well. But the mouths of foolish people pour out foolish words. 3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere. They watch those who are evil and those who are good. 4 A tongue that brings healing is like a tree of life. But a tongue that tells lies produces a broken spirit. 5 A foolish person turns his back on how his father has trained him. But anyone who accepts being corrected shows understanding. 6 The houses of those who do what is right hold great wealth. But those who do what is wrong earn only trouble. 7 The lips of wise people spread knowledge. But that’s not true of the hearts of foolish people. 8 The Lord hates the sacrifice of sinful people. But the prayers of honest people please him. 9 The Lord hates how sinners live. But he loves those who run after what is right. 10 Hard training is in store for anyone who leaves the right path. A person who hates to be corrected will die. 11 Death and the Grave lie open in front of the Lord. So the hearts of mere men certainly lie open to him! 12 Anyone who makes fun of others doesn’t like to be corrected. He won’t ask wise people for advice. 13 A happy heart makes a face look cheerful. But a sad heart produces a broken spirit. 14 A heart that understands what is right looks for knowledge. But the mouths of foolish people feed on what is foolish. 15 All the days of those who are crushed are filled with pain and suffering. But a cheerful heart enjoys a good time that never ends. 16 It is better to have respect for the Lord and have little than to be rich and have trouble. 17 A meal of vegetables where there is love is better than the finest meat where there is hatred. 18 A man who burns with anger stirs up fights. But a person who is patient calms things down. 19 The way of people who don’t want to work is blocked with thorns. But the path of honest people is a wide road. 20 A wise son makes his father glad. But a foolish son hates his mother. 21 A person who has no sense enjoys doing foolish things. But a man who has understanding walks straight ahead. 22 Plans fail without good advice. But they succeed when there are many advisers. 23 Joy is found in giving the right answer. And how good is a word spoken at the right time! A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. —Proverbs 15:1 On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in response to the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie. Within 90 days, other European countries had taken sides to honor their military alliances and pursue their own ambitions. A single event escalated into World War I, one of the most destructive military conflicts of modern time. The tragedy of war is staggering, yet our relationships and families can begin to fracture with only a few hateful words. James wrote, “See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” (James 3:5). A key to avoiding verbal conflict is found in Proverbs: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (15:1). A small comment can start a large fight. When we, by God’s grace, choose not to retaliate with our words, we honor Jesus our Savior. When He was abused and insulted, He fulfilled the prophetic words of Isaiah, “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth” (Isa. 53:7). Proverbs urges us to speak the truth and seek peace through our words. “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, . . . and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” (15:4,23). A careless word may kindle strife, A cruel word may wreck a life; A timely word may lessen stress, A loving word may heal and bless. —Anon. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 00:07:10 +0000
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