Proverbs 15:1-4 – The effect of appropriate words

In life, disagreement will surely happen. There are times we are offended by the harsh words of others. At other times we offend others by our abrasive words. Yet verse 1 points us to the best way to interact. A soft word turns away anger. This is especially true in a disagreement. In a responsible position, we may need to correct a subordinate. Yet if we use kinder words, we create a condition more conducive and more receptive to discussion and resolution. When harsh words are spoken they usually evoke a defensive stunt from the one we are speaking to. The suggestion here is that we should be cool-headed and broad-hearted. This is more superior to being hot-headed and impetuous.

Remember what James said, anger should not be used to drive the righteous work of God. It is true that the way we engage in a discussion or dialogue will definitely elicit an unspoken response from the person we are talking to. It is logical that when we listen to a wise person, we become wiser. We become more astute in conducting ourselves. It is equally true that when we listen to fools we are only given nonsense that cannot be useful to the way we conduct our life. In a community that has more wise people than foolish ones, there is stability and advancement.

Verse 3 is a timely reminder that we have a God who is not only all-powerful, but He is also all-knowing and all-seeing. Nothing escapes His sight. He sees the good things we are doing as well as the evil ways we go about life. Like it or not we are all subjected to divine scrutiny. How we conduct our life is important in the light of that divine scrutiny. Remember, He is the ultimate judge of our life. It is needful therefore for us to be respectable, honest, discreet, prudent and farsighted in our conduct and behaviour. Our actions will be judged. What’s done for Christ will be rewarded but what’s not will be censured and disciplined.  

Appropriate words always bring healing and health. Our words have consequences. We either bring good will or bad feelings. Hence, we must speak carefully and mindfully. For our words either encourage life or bring about dismay and depression. In speaking wisely, we edify but in double talk and duplicity we break the spirit of our hearers. Let’s do life!