A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright. The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
—Proverbs 15:1-2, 4, 7-8, 23, 28-29

~~~~~

Freedom in this Speech
By Jennifer Kane

A gentle answer
quiets the storm,
turns aside the fury
like soft rain on parched ground.
But a harsh word,
a spark that feeds the flame,
stirs anger’s heat
like wind through dry fields.

The wise adorn knowledge,
their words bloom like trees of life,
steady, bearing fruit in season,
while foolish words rush like a flood,
sweeping any peace away.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge—
planting kindness in each syllable.
But those whose hearts run crooked
cannot walk the path of truth.

The Lord knows our hearts,
accepts the prayers of the upright,
but from the wicked,
sacrifice is hollow sound.

Joy springs forth
from a word fitly spoken—
like apples of gold,
a timely gift,
an answer weighed in wisdom.

The righteous wait,
measuring words with love,
while the wicked mouth
gushes only harm.

The Lord draws near
to those who seek His way,
listening to gentle voices,
for the prayers of the righteous
delights His heart.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Proverbs 15:1-2, 4, 7-8, 23, 28-29

In a world quick to speak and slow to listen, Proverbs 15 stands as a reminder of the power of our words to build peace and bring healing. Each verse captures the significance of responding with wisdom, a gentle spirit, and a heart tuned to God’s will. Our speech reflects the state of our hearts and impacts our relationship with God and others.

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 shows us that peace can be preserved with a gentle response. Like a soothing balm, soft words can defuse anger, while harsh words only escalate it. This approach allows God’s grace to shape our responses, making us peacemakers. Just as Gideon’s mildness brought peace to the Ephraimites, our calm words can restore relationships and prevent unnecessary conflict.

“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life.” the healing power of wise and gentle words, which soothe wounded consciences and restore broken spirits. Our words can be a “tree of life”—they can heal, encourage, and uplift others. When we practice speaking with kindness and grace, we spread hope and comfort, like the leaves of the tree in Revelation that bring healing.

In verses 2 and 7, we’re reminded that wise speech is rooted in a good heart. Those with knowledge should share it, using their words for the benefit of others rather than keeping it to themselves. Wise words are like seeds scattered in fertile soil, able to inspire and strengthen others. On the other hand, foolish talk is destructive, spreading confusion and harm.

God delights in the prayers of the righteous, as verse 8 tells us, while sacrifices from insincere hearts are an abomination to Him. When we come to God with humility and a desire to live according to His will, our prayers are a delight to Him. But if our words and actions lack integrity, they do not please God. A heart grounded in God is seen in sincere prayer and consistent, loving actions toward others.

The joy that comes from speaking wisely and at the right time. It’s better than just the satisfaction of simple a snappy comeback. A well-timed word brings encouragement and blessing, both to the speaker and to the listener. It’s a joy to know that our words have touched someone, offering hope or insight just when it’s needed. This encourages us to be attentive to the Spirit, ready to speak life-giving words at the right moment.

“The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” God is close to those who live righteously and speak wisely, hearing and answering their prayers. When we walk in His ways, He draws near to us, offering His comfort and guidance. Yet, those who defy Him distance themselves from His blessings. Henry emphasizes that God is a present help to those who call on Him in sincerity, and His nearness is a precious gift for all who seek Him.

Consider your words today—are they gentle, healing, and wise? Do they bring peace or stir up conflict? As we cultivate hearts aligned with God’s wisdom, our words become a powerful witness of His love and grace. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to use your words thoughtfully, so they may bring life and healing to all who hear them.

~~~~~

My Lord God,
Please fill my heart with Your wisdom, so that my words may bring peace, healing, and joy. Help me to speak with gentleness and truth, reflecting Your love to those around us. Draw me close to You, and may my words honor and delight You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

November 15 2024