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​​“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
–Proverbs 15:1​
Annotation: Solomon highlights the power of a gentle response in diffusing anger and preventing conflict. Harsh words only escalate anger.
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Note: Choosing gentleness over harshness can prevent anger from escalating into sin or further harm.
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This verse offers wisdom on how to manage conflict and how our words can significantly influence the emotional outcomes of a situation. Let’s break it down:
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1. "A gentle answer turns away wrath"
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"Gentle answer" refers to a calm, kind, and mild response to someone who is angry or upset.
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"Turns away wrath" suggests that when faced with someone’s anger (wrath), responding gently can prevent the situation from escalating. A gentle response can diffuse intense emotions and reduce the likelihood of the anger growing or continuing.
The idea here is that gentleness has a calming influence. It often neutralizes hostility and may lead to reconciliation or at least a reduction in tension. The gentle response doesn’t fuel the anger, but instead offers an opportunity for peace.
2. "But a harsh word stirs up anger"
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"Harsh word" refers to a response that is sharp, rude, abrasive, or inflammatory.
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"Stirs up anger" indicates that harsh words often provoke or intensify the other person’s emotions. Instead of calming the situation, a harsh response is likely to escalate conflict, making the situation worse.
In this case, the verse suggests that harsh words provoke more anger—they don’t resolve the issue, but only add fuel to the fire. Instead of de-escalating the situation, harsh words increase tension and often lead to a cycle of greater hostility.
The Bigger Picture:
Proverbs 15:1 highlights the power of words in interpersonal relationships. This teaching encourages us to respond with gentleness and wisdom, particularly when faced with conflict, because our words can either help resolve tension or make it worse.
Key Points:
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Gentle responses can help cool down anger, prevent further conflict, and create space for understanding.
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Harsh responses tend to escalate anger and deepen divisions, making it harder to reach resolution.
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This proverb promotes the wisdom of choosing one's words carefully, especially in moments of emotional tension.
Broader Biblical Context:
This teaching is consistent with other biblical principles:
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James 1:19-20: "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."
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Ephesians 4:29: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs..."
Practical Application:
In daily life, when encountering conflict or heated discussions, choosing a gentle, calm, and measured response can help keep the peace, reduce unnecessary tension, and promote healthier, more productive conversations.
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Additional Information:
Read the full chapter and find more resources at biblegateway.com (external site)>>
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