A gentle answer turns away wrath but a

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. ” – Proverbs 15: 1

1. Understanding Proverbs 15: 1 General Truths Proverbs 3: 1 -2 22: 4, 6, 11

1. Understanding Proverbs 15: 1 What about Jesus and Proverbs 15: 1?

1. Understanding Proverbs 15: 1 Matthew 23 Hypocrites! Brood of Blind guides! vipers! Whitewashed tombs! Serpents!

1. Understanding Proverbs 15: 1 “Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, “Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? ” – Mark 2: 8

1. Understanding Proverbs 15: 1 “But He knew what they were thinking…” – Luke 6: 8

1. Understanding Proverbs 15: 1 “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? ” – 1 Corinthians 2: 11

1. Understanding Proverbs 15: 1 Love… “bears all things, believes all things…endures all things…” 1 Corinthians 13: 7

1. Understanding Proverbs 15: 1 Jesus spoke kindly and softly, even when He offended… - Luke 7: 40 -48

2. Suggestions from Prov. 15: 1 Pick your battles “Do not contend with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm. ” – Proverbs 3: 30

2. Suggestions from Prov. 15: 1 Wait before you speak “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. ” – Proverbs 13: 3

2. Suggestions from Prov. 15: 1 Wait before you speak “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. ” – Proverbs 17: 28

2. Suggestions from Prov. 15: 1 Speak the truth in love “But speak the truth in love” - Ephesians 4: 15

2. Suggestions from Prov. 15: 1 Speak the truth in love “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt” - Colossians 4: 6

2. Suggestions from Prov. 15: 1 Remember…hurt people

2. Suggestions from Prov. 15: 1 Agree with your adversary “Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way…” – Matthew 5: 25

2. Suggestions from Prov. 15: 1 Maintain humility “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. ” – James 4: 10

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger. ” – Proverbs 15: 1

“…the tongue has the power of life and death. . . ” – Proverbs 18: 21