10/25/16 AN UNUSUAL POST
(It is unusual because the verse is unexpectedly powerful and then I include the entire chapter for further reading.)
The opening verse of Proverbs 15 is awesomely powerful, but it is just the introduction to other very pointed and powerful words. I hope you will at least read this first verse (along with my comment). On it's own this verse can be a life changer. I will not make comment on the other verses, so I hope you will take the few moments needed to read them at this time also.
Proverbs 15:1
(1) A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
DLG note...
WORDS... ATTITUDE,.. DEMEANOR
Our WORDS express our thoughts. When we speak without thinking we may very well be conveying thoughts we don't embrace. We should choose our words carefully so that the hearer hears what we actually want them to hear rather than a misrepresentation of our intentions. We cannot blame a person for hearing what we say rather than what we mean. That blame belongs to us.
Our ATTITUDE determines our thoughts and words, therefore it is imperative that we have a right heart and right attitude toward the hearer. Certainly there is no room in the Christian life for anger, jealousy, envy, deceit, pride, harshness, disinterest, but neither should we allow Satan to color our attitude with negativity as we seek to communicate with other people. Remember, we may know what we mean, but our hearer hears what we say and how we say it.
Our DEMEANOR conveys our thoughts and words, therefore the intent and the words must be communicated in the right way or they can be misinterpreted. Courtesy, compassion, good manners are always important. The old saying is, "Your actions are so loud that I cannot hear what you are saying."
We must offer answers, provide information, extend our concern in such a way that it will build up rather than tear down. We can avoid many unnecessary conflicts and broken relationships if we give a soft, kind, sensitive, compassionate, meek, gentle response to those who hear us.
Proverbs 15:1-33
(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.
(8) The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
(9) The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
(10) Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
(11) Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
(12) A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
(13) A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
(14) The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
(15) All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
(16) Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
(17) Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
(18) A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
(19) The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
(20) A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
(21) Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
(22) Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
(23) A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
(24) The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
(25) The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
(26) The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
(27) He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
(28) The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
(29) The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
(30) The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
(31) The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
(32) He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
(33) The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
