January 15, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 15
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Following Scripture Verses

1. A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
3. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5. A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
6. In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10. Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
11. Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
12. A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
13. A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
15. All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
16. Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
17. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18. A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19. The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
20. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21. Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
22. Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
23. A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24. The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
25. The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
26. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27. He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
28. The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29. The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30. The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
31. The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
33. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Today's Pathway:
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A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. - Proverbs 15:1

Solomon gives us some very practical wisdom in today's verse. Sooner or later all of us are going to encounter someone who is angry or upset with us. Their anger may be deserved or undeserved; that is not important here. What is at issue is how we are going to respond to that anger. It is very natural for us to respond to their anger with our own anger. If someone yells at us, we holler back. If someone makes cutting remarks about us, we insult them as well. If they refuse to speak to us, then we shun them too. However, while this may be natural, it is certainly not Biblical.

It should be obvious that God does not want his children to lose control of their emotions, nor stoop to the level of someone else who is suffering from undisciplined wrath. In this verse, the Lord gives a second motivation for responding sweetly to those who are filled with anger. He states that a soft answer turns wrath away. This soft answer can take several forms. If we are in the wrong, it should be an admission of guilt and a request for forgiveness. If the other person is mistaken, then it should be a reasoned, calm response. Even if the person confronting us is completely off base, an answer that is rooted in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23) is the Spirit-led reply.

It is very difficult to have a fight by yourself. Thus, if I refuse to lose my temper when someone else wants to argue, the disagreement will never escalate. However, if I respond to them in like fashion, the argument is only going to worsen.

Is your response to confrontation spiritual or natural? Is it wise, or foolish?

Pastor Mark J Montgomery