Ruling the Rudder

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly … The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (Prov. 15:1-2, 4)

The first words of Proverbs Chapter Fifteen reminded me of yesterday’s verse, except that the author begins with a positive statement. It is all about controlling our speech, but this time with a positive bent. The impact of someone who knows how to use their words wisely produces peace, offers up timely knowledge and brings healing.

The Old Testament story of Abigail is a personification of the principle in Proverbs Chapter Fifteen. With one gracious and gratitude-filled statement, she turned David’s wrath into pity; his anger into action that reflected godly character.

To read the rest of the post, go to my LukeFiveTen blog.