Mom Reads Proverbs 15
Hello,
I missed yesterday, so you'll get two proverbs today. This precept about dealing with angry people is practical and true:
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1
Notice that it's a gentle answer that's key. I imagine the context as someone who is unsettled in their own spirit who chooses to "poke" at another with a question, demand, or accusation. The angry person's unspoken hope is to draw the other into their angry whirl, that they might provoke a negative response, further justifying their anger and giving them greater reason to lash out.
My gut desire is to swipe back. But, the best response is the opposite--pull back, don't engage, come back soft against their hard. Don't allow another person's actions to dictate the character and tenor of your own.
Jesus talked about this principle too:
"...if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well." Matthew 5:41
Admittedly, I don't fully understand it. I only know that when I've chosen to operate by it, things go better than when I don't.
Angry people are no fun to deal with either way of course. But "the principle of soft" at least mitigates the damage to yourself and others.
xoxo
Mom
I missed yesterday, so you'll get two proverbs today. This precept about dealing with angry people is practical and true:
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1
Notice that it's a gentle answer that's key. I imagine the context as someone who is unsettled in their own spirit who chooses to "poke" at another with a question, demand, or accusation. The angry person's unspoken hope is to draw the other into their angry whirl, that they might provoke a negative response, further justifying their anger and giving them greater reason to lash out.
My gut desire is to swipe back. But, the best response is the opposite--pull back, don't engage, come back soft against their hard. Don't allow another person's actions to dictate the character and tenor of your own.
Jesus talked about this principle too:
"...if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well." Matthew 5:41
Admittedly, I don't fully understand it. I only know that when I've chosen to operate by it, things go better than when I don't.
Angry people are no fun to deal with either way of course. But "the principle of soft" at least mitigates the damage to yourself and others.
xoxo
Mom
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