Choose Gentle Words

Robert A. Cook, former president of King’s College in New York, told a true story from the early years of his ministry. He had been receiving some rather pointed criticism, and he sought the counsel of a friend, pastor Harry A. Ironside. Pouring out his heart, Dr. Cook asked what … More

Speech

Our speech has great power for good or evil. A gentle word often will calm a very angry person while sharp and cutting remarks will only make him more angry (v. 1). It shows far more character to meet an angry man in quietness of spirit and speak cool, calm words than to give railing for railing. The wise man also knows when to speak and when to be silent while the fool is always opening his mouth whether it is fitting or not (v. 2). Compare (Proverbs 15:1-2) with (James 3:5). 

God sees and knows what everyone does (v. 3). This should be a warning to wicked people and a comforting thought for good people. Some words encourage and bring healing to a persons emotional health while other words depress and crush the spirit, not only to those around him but ultimately to himself (v. 4).

If a son refuses to learn from his father he is a fool (v. 5). It is easy for a young man to think that he knows more than his father. It is really foolish not to learn from someone who has been down the road ahead of you. To follow parental correction is an evidence of true wisdom. “A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother” (Prov. 10:1).

Application

I need to consider how my words that I have spoken have effected others. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Col. 4:6)

Proverbs 15:1-5 (English Standard Version)


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