Gentle Words

The teachings of the book of Proverbs are very practical for our lives today. Though written almost 3000 years ago they ring true today even in our fast paced society. Why is that? It’s because man never changes; only his surroundings do. One of the lessons that we can learn in proverbs is how to communicate better to others.

“A soft answer turns away wrath,

But a harsh word stirs up anger.

The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,

But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” Proverbs 15:1-2

To be gentle in our speech is not always easy to do, and for most of us it doesn’t come naturally. The reason for that is that when we hear people speak we often misinterpret their tone and intention which may cause us to fire back with harsh, hurtful words.

This is most often true in familial situations between spouses or parents speaking with their children. The problem is that we often don’t understand the intention of the one speaking to us. Perhaps they had a rough day and they are talking from their emotions and we take it as a personal attack and spit some fire at them, and then a blaze erupts in the relationship.

We need to be taught how to speak. Our answers must be caring and thoughtful rather than harsh, always imagining that our character is under attack. When we learn to be humble in our speech by controlling our tongue we become a winner in life. “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Proverbs 16:32

Let’s learn as believers how to use our tongues in a way that will honor the Lord and edify and bless the body of Christ. In this way too we are a testimony to those around us who are hit with negativity and anger on a daily basis. Our words should challenge those who need it and we should not cover truth to make someone feel better about living in sin, but even in these circumstances our encouraging words can be used to lead our friends to the one who has the ultimate words of comfort.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Now those are gentle words.