OCTOBER 20, 2014
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War Of Words
Read: Proverbs 15:1-23
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
—Proverbs
15:1
On
July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in response to the
assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie. Within 90
days, other European countries had taken sides to honor their military
alliances and pursue their own ambitions. A single event escalated into World
War I, one of the most destructive military conflicts of modern time.
The
tragedy of war is staggering, yet our relationships and families can begin to
fracture with only a few hateful words. James wrote, “See how great a forest a
little fire kindles!” (James 3:5). A key to avoiding verbal conflict is found
in Proverbs: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”
(15:1).
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small comment can start a large fight. When we, by God’s grace, choose not to
retaliate with our words, we honor Jesus our Savior. When He was abused and
insulted, He fulfilled the prophetic words of Isaiah, “He was oppressed and He
was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth” (Isa. 53:7).
Proverbs
urges us to speak the truth and seek peace through our words. “A wholesome
tongue is a tree of life, . . . and a word spoken in due season, how good it
is!” (15:4,23).
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careless word may kindle strife,
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cruel word may wreck a life;
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timely word may lessen stress,
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loving word may heal and bless. —Anon.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there
is hatred, let me sow love.
Insight
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major theme in Proverbs concerns the use of our tongues (10:19-21; 12:18, 13:3;
17:27-28; 18:6-8; 25:11; 26:18-22). Proverbs 15 warns of the consequences of
using wrong words and the benefits of using right words. A wise person is
carefully restrained and judicious when speaking (vv.2,7,28).
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
