A Soft Answer for a Harsh Word
Preparing for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost: Three Days before Sunday (Year B)
Scripture
Semi-continuous: Psalm 19; Proverbs 15:1-17; Hebrews 11:17-22
Complementary: Psalm 116:1-9; Joshua 2:1-14; Hebrews 11:17-22
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Prayer
Grant, O Lord, that the course of this world may be peaceably governed by your providence; and that your Church may joyfully serve you in confidence and serenity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)
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Reflection
A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
A fool despises a parent’s instruction,
but the one who heeds admonition is prudent.
In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so the minds of fools.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.
There is severe discipline for one who forsakes the way;
one who hates a rebuke will die.
Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord;
how much more human hearts!
Scoffers do not like to be rebuked;
they will not go to the wise.
A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance,
but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
The mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
All the days of the poor are hard,
but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
than great treasure and trouble with it.
Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is
than a fatted ox and hatred with it (Proverbs 15:1-17).
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Our words and tone can have an unfortunate effect on interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution. Verse 1 highlights the wisdom in choosing a gentle, calm approach when faced with anger or confrontation, emphasizing the power of words to either diffuse or escalate tensions.
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