Wednesday 11-30-22 4th. Day Of The Weekly Cycle, Kislev 5, 5783 70th. Fall Day
Read: Proverbs 15:1–7 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 37–39; 2 Peter 2
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A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Ever had a close encounter with a rattlesnake? If so, you might have noticed that the sound of the rattle seemed to get more intense as you moved nearer to the viper. Research in the scientific journal Current Biology reveals that the snakes do increase their rattling rate when a threat is approaching. This “high-frequency mode” can cause us to think they’re closer than they are.
As one researcher put it, “The misinterpretation of distance by the listener . . . creates a distance safety margin.”
People can sometimes use increasing volume with harsh words that push others away during a conflict—exhibiting anger and resorting to shouting.
The writer of Proverbs shares some wise advice for times like these: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). He goes on to say that “soothing” and “wise” words can be “a tree of life” and a source of “knowledge” (vv. 4, 7).
Jesus provided the ultimate reasons for gently appealing to those with whom we enter into conflict: extending love that reveals us to be His children (Matthew 5:43–45) and seeking reconciliation—“[winning] them over” (18:15). Instead of raising our voice or using unkind words during conflicts, may we show civility, wisdom, and love to others as God guides us by His Spirit.
Why can it be difficult to be gentle and loving in a conflict? How can the Holy Spirit help you carefully choose your words and actions?
Heavenly Father, help me to lovingly address issues with those with whom I disagree.
Jesus repeated this wisdom in Matthew 15:1–20. In discussing what makes a person unclean, He said it isn’t what goes into a person but rather what comes out of the mouth that makes one unclean, for that which comes out of the mouth reveals what’s in the heart. Defiled speech reveals a defiled heart (vv. 11, 18–20).
By tom felten|November 30th, 2022
Forgiving Others Proverbs 15:1-7
1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
Love, Walter
Read: Proverbs 15:1–7 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 37–39; 2 Peter 2
Download MP3
Subscribe to iTunes
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Ever had a close encounter with a rattlesnake? If so, you might have noticed that the sound of the rattle seemed to get more intense as you moved nearer to the viper. Research in the scientific journal Current Biology reveals that the snakes do increase their rattling rate when a threat is approaching. This “high-frequency mode” can cause us to think they’re closer than they are.
As one researcher put it, “The misinterpretation of distance by the listener . . . creates a distance safety margin.”
People can sometimes use increasing volume with harsh words that push others away during a conflict—exhibiting anger and resorting to shouting.
The writer of Proverbs shares some wise advice for times like these: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). He goes on to say that “soothing” and “wise” words can be “a tree of life” and a source of “knowledge” (vv. 4, 7).
Jesus provided the ultimate reasons for gently appealing to those with whom we enter into conflict: extending love that reveals us to be His children (Matthew 5:43–45) and seeking reconciliation—“[winning] them over” (18:15). Instead of raising our voice or using unkind words during conflicts, may we show civility, wisdom, and love to others as God guides us by His Spirit.
Why can it be difficult to be gentle and loving in a conflict? How can the Holy Spirit help you carefully choose your words and actions?
Heavenly Father, help me to lovingly address issues with those with whom I disagree.
INSIGHT
The power of our words is a common theme of Scripture. Four of today’s seven proverbs (Proverbs 15:1–7) address the importance of how we use our tongues. Many of the statements contrast the positive and negative use of words. Solomon noted that our words reflect what’s in our hearts: words of knowledge reveal that a person is wise, but a “fool gushes folly” (v. 2).Jesus repeated this wisdom in Matthew 15:1–20. In discussing what makes a person unclean, He said it isn’t what goes into a person but rather what comes out of the mouth that makes one unclean, for that which comes out of the mouth reveals what’s in the heart. Defiled speech reveals a defiled heart (vv. 11, 18–20).
By tom felten|November 30th, 2022
Forgiving Others Proverbs 15:1-7
1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
Love, Walter