Gentle Answer - Words Proverbs 12:13-18

Good morning everyone!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

   Yesterday I talked about words, the damage they can do.  In the congressional races, the presidential races, these men are very careful about the words they choose.  Why?  Because the opponent may use the word or words against them.
   Proverbs 12:13-18 "The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble. (14) Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. (15) Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. (15) Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. (16) A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. (17) An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. (18) Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing."
  V. 13 Evil people twist the facts to support their claims. Those who do this will eventually be trapped by their own lies.  The ones who always tell the truth, the facts-plain and unvarnished-give an unshakable defense.  If you find that you always have to defend yourself to others, are you being totally honest?
   V. 14 speaks for itself.  V. 15 - Wise listen to others, however, fools begat fools and they tend to rally together, repeating their foolish words.  Ever hear anyone tell you something like, 'I just tell you the truth, what you see is what you get?'  They tell you this over and over----who are they trying to convince?  You?  Or themselves? 
   V. 16 Wow, does this speak to us all?!?  When something happens, being human, the first instinct is to retaliate, yet the Word says stay calm.  For me, this takes some prayer.  I may not be physically, outwardly responding, but inside I am furious and thoughts are weilding left and right.  I have to take time, think about it, pray about it, then respond or react.
   V. 17 - The funny thing about the truth is it is always the same, each time you tell it.  Lies tend to change. Truth is a strong tool, sometimes dangerous or awkward tool, but the strongest. V. 18 cutting remarks, boy they cut deep.  Wise words from a wise person will bring healing.  Think about these verses when dealing with your children, spouse, relatives, friends, people of the community.
   Let me leave you with this: Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."    Thank you for reading. Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny