Proverbs 15:1

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

Your response to others dictates the outcome of your interactions with them. You’re not responsible for their response, but you are responsible for yours. So, respond in a way that honors God and watch Him work!

The greatest lesson a father can teach his children is how to respond wisely to harshness. Solomon understood that it takes two to tango, so he instructed his sons to choose their responses carefully. How they respond will determine whether a situation escalates or not. He encourages responding to harshness with gentleness. It’s not easy to do, but it makes all the difference in how things unfold.

How do you respond when someone speaks harshly to you? Do you lash out, or do you answer with a soft word? It takes the self-control of the Holy Spirit to resist the temptation to react in the flesh. Someone has to choose to be the mature one in the conversation—may that person be you. Respond with gentleness and watch God change the tone of the conversation.

Father, we thank You for being our perfect example. Our desire is to become more like You, especially in how we respond to harshness. Give us thick skin and soft hearts, we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.