A WAR OF WORDS

A WAR OF WORDS

READ:

Proverbs 15:1-23

A soft answer turns away

wrath, but a harsh word stirs

up anger.  –Proverbs 15:1

On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in response to the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie.  Within 90 days, other European countries had taken sides to honor their military alliances and pursue their own ambitions.  A single event escalated into World War I, one of the most destructive military conflicts of modern time.

The tragedy of war is staggering, yet our relationships and families can begin to fracture with only a few hateful words.  James wrote, “See how great a forest a little fire kindles!”  (James 3:5).  A key to avoiding verbal conflict is found in Proverbs:  “A soft answer turns away wreath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (15:1).

A small comment can start a large fight.  When we, by God’s grace, choose not to retaliate with our words, we honor Jesus our Savior.  When He was abused and insulted, He fulfilled the prophetic words of Isaiah, “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).

Proverbs urges us to speak the truth and seek peace through our words. “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,…and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” (15:4, 23). –David McCasland

A careless word may kindle strive,

A cruel word may wreck a life;

A timely word may lessen stress,

A loving word may heal and bless. –Anon.

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Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

INSIGHT

A major theme in Proverbs concerns the use of our tongues (10:19-21); 12:18, 13:3; 17:27-28; 18:6-8; 25:11; 26:18-22).  Proverbs 15 warns of the consequences of using wrong words and the benefits of using right words.  A wise person is carefully restrained and judicious when speaking (vv.2, 7, 28).

Have a blessed day.

God Our Creator’s Love Always.

Unity & Peace