Pro 15:1 | MHM | STEP | The Power of Gentle Words This section teaches us how to keep peace with others through the way we speak. Solomon explains that gentle words can calm anger, while harsh words make conflicts worse. The way we answer others can either stop a fight or make it bigger. v. 1 : If someone is angry, giving a soft answer can calm them down and turn away their wrath. Speaking kindly, even when others are upset, helps to make peace. For example, Gideon used gentle words to calm the Ephraimites (Judges 8:1-3 ). But when Jephthah answered roughly, it only made things worse (Judges 12:1-3 ). It is better to use gentle words and reason calmly, because strong arguments are best shared with a gentle voice. On the other hand, grievous words stir up anger and cause fights. Calling people names or making fun of their weaknesses only makes them more upset. Some people would rather make a joke and lose a friend than keep the peace. Harsh words can break relationships and make enemies, so we should be careful with what we say.

‏ Proverbs 15:1

The Power of Gentle Words

This section teaches us how to keep peace with others through the way we speak. Solomon explains that gentle words can calm anger, while harsh words make conflicts worse. The way we answer others can either stop a fight or make it bigger.

v. 1: If someone is angry, giving a soft answer can calm them down and turn away their wrath. Speaking kindly, even when others are upset, helps to make peace. For example, Gideon used gentle words to calm the Ephraimites (Judges 8:1-3 ^a). But when Jephthah answered roughly, it only made things worse (Judges 12:1-3 ^b). It is better to use gentle words and reason calmly, because strong arguments are best shared with a gentle voice.

On the other hand, grievous words stir up anger and cause fights. Calling people names or making fun of their weaknesses only makes them more upset. Some people would rather make a joke and lose a friend than keep the peace. Harsh words can break relationships and make enemies, so we should be careful with what we say.