The Proverb writer penned: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverb 15:1).

Meditate on this thought today. If you reply with a gentle answer, anger is turned away, whereas if you reply harshly, you are the one stirring up anger. What does that say about how you should respond to your spouse? What does that say about how you should treat your children?

I remember a elderly man at Betz’s Nursing Home that was always pursuing the ladies and would get irate whenever the aides tried to redirect him. One time when I was there he exploded in anger and yelled at another resident. As his rage increased I walked up to him, sat down next to him and calmly asked him questions. He railed away to me and his voice got softer and softer as we talked. I dispelled his anger by just giving him attention. Afterward an aide thanked me for helping with him.

Is it possible you can do the same thing at home? Just remain calm and ask questions. Don’t escalate the conflict. A harsh word will always escalate the situation. Let’s apply biblical practices to our personal lives.

Tags: anger, conflicts, peace