Proverbs 15:1-17
Reflect
For sure, read this whole passage of Proverbs 15:1-17, but we’ll camp in verse 1.
When was the last time you witnessed someone go ballistic? For me, it was last night. I was close by when a couple I know was having a major argument. This was all out, top of the lungs, no reservation, assault. There on the sidelines was the daughter watching yet another parental crisis.
There was no “soft answer” to be seen.
Does a “soft answer” sound weak to you? I’m not denying that there is a time to be firm and assertive, and the soft answer needs to be recognized for how powerful it is. A soft answer might involve dialing 911.
Whoever is giving the soft answer is in control of themselves. There is no lower emotional reaction than anger. Soft answer means that that person does not have control over you.
When somebody is losing it on you, look inside yourself. What happens? Are you an appeaser? Do you dance to their tune? Do you see what happens? You are then out of control. Their learned behaviour is saying that they can control you by losing their control.
Look at all the options and decide: a soft answer turns away wrath.
The real demands of life will not provide another option for the angry person. The gift you provide to others is being in control of yourself, by providing a soft answer.
What does your response to an angry person reveal about your emotional stability?
Let’s chat about your next steps.
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for our Prime Minister and Premier, Mayor Sohi, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to your mind.