The Power of Gentle Words

 

A gentle answer deflects anger,... Gentle words are a tree of life;... The lips of the wise give good advice;...

Proverbs 15:1‭, ‬4‭, ‬7 NLT

The proverbs in Proverbs 15:1, 4, and 7 offer some wise advice about the power of words.

• A gentle answer deflects anger. When someone is angry, it can be tempting to respond in kind. However, this will only make the situation worse. Instead, a gentle answer can help to defuse the situation and calm the person down.

• Gentle words are a tree of life. Words have the power to either build up or tear down. Gentle words can encourage, comfort, and inspire. They can also help to heal relationships that have been damaged by conflict.

• The lips of the wise give good advice. Wise people know the power of words. They use their words wisely, speaking with kindness, compassion, and understanding. They also know when to speak and when to listen.

These proverbs remind us that our words have the power to either build up or tear down. If we want to live wise and peaceful lives, we should choose our words carefully. We should speak gently, offer words of encouragement, and give good advice.

In addition to the practical benefits of speaking gently, there is also a spiritual dimension to this proverb. The Bible teaches that God is watching us, and that He takes note of our words. When we speak gently, we are honoring God and reflecting His character.

So, the next time you are tempted to lash out in anger, remember the proverbs in Proverbs 15:1, 4, and 7. Choose your words carefully, and speak with kindness and compassion. You will be glad you did.

Here are some practical tips for speaking gently:

• Take a deep breath before you respond. This will give you a moment to calm down and think about what you want to say.

• Choose your words carefully. Avoid using harsh or hurtful language.

• Focus on the other person's feelings. Try to see things from their perspective.

• Be willing to listen. Sometimes the best way to resolve a conflict is to simply listen to the other person's point of view.

Speaking gently is not always easy, but it is worth the effort. When we speak gently, we are more likely to build up relationships, resolve conflicts, and honor God.

In summary:

• A gentle answer deflects anger.

• Gentle words are a tree of life.

• The lips of the wise give good advice.

• Wise people know the power of words.

• We should choose our words carefully, speak gently, and offer words of encouragement.

Here are some additional details about each bullet point:

• A gentle answer deflects anger. When someone is angry, it can be tempting to respond in kind. However, this will only make the situation worse. Instead, a gentle answer can help to defuse the situation and calm the person down.

• Gentle words are a tree of life. Words have the power to either build up or tear down. Gentle words can encourage, comfort, and inspire. They can also help to heal relationships that have been damaged by conflict.

• The lips of the wise give good advice. Wise people know the power of words. They use their words wisely, speaking with kindness, compassion, and understanding. They also know when to speak and when to listen.

• Wise people know the power of words. Words can be used to build up or tear down. Wise people choose their words carefully, speaking with kindness and compassion.

• We should choose our words carefully, speak gently, and offer words of encouragement. If we want to live wise and peaceful lives, we should choose our words carefully. We should speak gently, offer words of encouragement, and give good advice.

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