Choose Gentle Words
March 15, 2021
Commentary
Our speech has great power for good or evil. A gentle word often will calm a very angry person while sharp and cutting remarks will only make him more angry (v. 1). It shows far more character to meet an angry man in quietness of spirit and speak cool, calm words than to give railing for railing. The wise man also knows when to speak and when to be silent while the fool is always opening his mouth whether it is fitting or not (v. 2). Compare (Proverbs 15:1-2) with (James 3:5).
God sees and knows what everyone does (v. 3). This should be a warning to wicked people and a comforting thought for good people. Some words encourage and bring healing to a persons emotional health while other words depress and crush the spirit, not only to those around him but ultimately to himself (v. 4).
If a son refuses to learn from his father he is a fool (v. 5). It is easy for a young man to think that he knows more than his father. It is really foolish not to learn from someone who has been down the road ahead of you. To follow parental correction is an evidence of true wisdom. “A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother” (Prov. 10:1).
Application
I need to consider how my words that I have spoken have effected others. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Col. 4:6)
Proverbs 15:1– 5 (NET)
1 A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.
2 The tongue of the wise treats knowledge correctly, but the mouth of the fool spouts out folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on those who are evil and those who are good.
4 Speech that heals is like a life-giving tree, but a perverse speech breaks the spirit.
5 A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds reproof shows good sense.
Illustration: Bob Cook Counsel on Criticism
Robert A. Cook, former president of King’s College in New York, told a true story from the early years of his ministry. He had been receiving some rather pointed criticism, and he sought the counsel of a friend, pastor Harry A. Ironside. Pouring out his heart, Dr. Cook asked what he should do about the accusations being made against him. Ironside responded, “Bob, if the criticism about you is true, mend your ways! If it isn’t, forget about it!” (Our Daily Bread, July 16, 1997).