Proverbs 15
I am convinced that we have lost the art of communication. Sarcasm, irony, mockery and puns, are the “go-to” forms of expression. These play out in the form of hashtags memes and twitter posts. We have lost the art of whimsical poetry, witty soliloquies, careful thought and aporia’s like “To be or not to be, that is the question.”
Despite the possibility that we have digressed in our form of thought and expression, one proverb always holds true. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (v. 1). I am convinced many problems and conflicts that arise could be solved simply based on the temperaments of people during a confrontation. When people come to us in wrath, we are often tempted to be harsh in response. Wisdom shows us the value of a gentle response, one without sharp edges or points. This kind of answer can turn away wrath.
Let’s tap into our ‘inner Solomon’ and try it today! When confronted with aggression, respond gently and see what happens! I bet the result may surprise you!
Blessings,
Pastor Adrian
Despite the possibility that we have digressed in our form of thought and expression, one proverb always holds true. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (v. 1). I am convinced many problems and conflicts that arise could be solved simply based on the temperaments of people during a confrontation. When people come to us in wrath, we are often tempted to be harsh in response. Wisdom shows us the value of a gentle response, one without sharp edges or points. This kind of answer can turn away wrath.
Let’s tap into our ‘inner Solomon’ and try it today! When confronted with aggression, respond gently and see what happens! I bet the result may surprise you!
Blessings,
Pastor Adrian
Posted in Proverbs Challenge
8 Comments
Should I, or should I not admit that I had to look up "aporia"?
But I digress. Since my baptism, I have made a very conscious effort in two areas..... 1. to discontinue any cursing, and 2. Not to respond with anger, sarcasm, etc. I felt these were the easy things....the "low hanging fruit". Of course, I haven't been perfect, but much better in both area, and I'm not just "trying" but "training" as a wise person once advised me. The results of those two easy changes have been amazing. I don't know how others have been affected by the subtle changes (I wasn't previously given to much cursing or anger), but the internal changes are significant. I feel much better about myself knowing that I've purged those two bad traits, and more importantly, God sees my efforts.
Mike, I LOVE that advice that you got about not just "trying" but also " training"! That's profound and so true. Just these two sentences say two different things to your brain:
I am trying new things
I am training for new things
Both are valuable but the latter puts an emphasis on learning.
I love it!
I agree with you Adrian. I actually think it runs even deeper. With the gain of electronics and digital communications, it has crippled real communication. We have been moving farther and farther away from in-person communication. A lot is lost when you can't see the other persons response, body language and facial expression. Good communication IS an art and not enough of us are practicing to get better.
V18 stands out to me: a hot tempered person, stirs up conflict but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
When I am in a situation where an argument can arise, I say this in my head, "I will respond, I will not react". It helps bring some guidance into the situation for me.
Verse 1-2 is actually one I have grown to memorize. It's helpful when parenting but also teaching my children how to respond to their siblings. It can be difficult, but makes a world of difference.
What stuck out to me most was 13-15
"A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast."
I enjoy reading that having wisdom isn't just a sacrifice of all the things we need to do different. But it gives a optimistic view. When we have a glad heart, it produces radiance and joy on the outside for others to see. Cheerful of heart has a continual feast. We have internal peace and joy all the time. We don't need to continually search for temporary happiness. It continues to feed us. I love the image that brings to me.
Andrea, as I remember that advice came from none other than Pastor Adrian. It was based on the notion that "trying" doesn't carry accountability and is too vague to have real meaning, so is not tied to outcome. On the other hand, "training" suggests that some real effort is being made. This bit of advice really comes in handy in many facets of life. If you're honest with yourself, you will always know if you're trying or training and of course, God will know.
Wow, that Adrian is very wise!
V28 I like
The Godly, righteous people will weigh their answers; those who are wicked don't think before speaking because they don't care about the effects of their words. We need to carefully plan our words as the impact on others could have devastating long lasting effects. I pray for wisdom of the tongue.
Fruit of the Spirit says Forbearance is the way