A Gentle Answer
By Susan Klein
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1
In the movie Australia, there is a scene where a young native boy has just witnessed the brutal death of his mother. He is sad, alone and angry. A lovely, but rather stiff young British woman wants to console him, but has no experience with children. She offers her brief, formal condolences, but they do nothing to curb his anger or bring him relief from his pain. She hesitates a moment, then sits on the ground next to him and very softly begins to tell him a story. He warms to her gentle words, eventually producing a smile of gratitude as he is slowly comforted.By Susan Klein
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1
Scripture tells us that gentle words turn away anger. They are like a soothing balm to the soul. They sustain the weary. In an article produced by Ethical Communities Council Gold Coast Inc., an interview was conducted with Bosnian refugees who had been physically tortured and verbally abused. Being treated for their injuries, one woman was quoted as saying, "We have a saying that doctors help with gentle words, not with medication only. Our people need a nice word." They craved a spoken ointment for their hurts. Don’t we all have a need for gentle words?
Even our Lord, when He walked this earth, used gentle words to comfort His people. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29) Would it have been as soothing if He had said, “Just buck up and be tough?”
I have had to learn from my own difficult experiences that harsh words have absolutely no value. When I respond harshly to my children or my husband, it usually provokes them to anger. When I can remember to use gentle words, it reaps the blessing of a peaceful household! I’m sure we can all remember a time when someone chose to respond to us in a kind way when we were expecting the opposite. Didn’t it feel great?!
Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, exhorts us to let our gentleness be evident to all. Let’s make a conscious choice to imitate our Lord, and be a comfort to those around us with our gentle words.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Who in your life could use a gentle word today?
2. The next time you are tempted to use harsh words in responding to someone, take a deep breath first and ask God for a “gentle answer.”
FURTHER READING:
Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Peter 3:15-16; Proverbs 16:24
Susan is a wife and mother of two. She leads a small group and teaches for Tuesday a.m. Bible Study.
