Scripture Passage

Proverbs 15:1-2 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

Big Idea

Our words can have a ripple effect in the lives of other people, either blessing them, or harming them.

Devotional Reading

During the summer months, I like to go camping with my family at one of the nearby lakes that Texhoma has to offer. I enjoy getting up early, walking along the water’s edge, and gazing at the reflection of nearby scenery on the calm, glassy top of the lake. It’s not long until one of my children throws a rock out into the lake where a ripple effect occurs. Concentric circles emanate from the point where the rock entered the water, disturbing the reflection of the scenery. It takes several minutes for the water to calm again to its once undisturbed state prior to the rock being thrown into the lake.

Harsh words are like a rock thrown into a calm lake. They have a way of disturbing and rippling through what was once a calm situation. In Proverbs 15, Solomon wrote several verses that address our words and their effect on other people and circumstances. I want to briefly focus on the principle and the plan found in the first two verses of Proverbs 15.

In Proverbs 15:1, Solomon contrasts the different ways we can respond to people and situations; he informs us that our words have either a pacifying or an irritating influence. Through our words we have the power to alter the feelings and actions of people. We can make situations better or much worse depending on the words we use. The advice that this proverb provides is beneficial for us as we seek to maintain good, healthy relationships with other people, especially those within the spiritual family of the church. While verse 1 provides the principle to remember, verse 2 gives us a plan to follow.

Proverbs 15:2 tells us if we want to use our words to positively affect others and make situations better, then the simple plan is to think about what we are going to say and to choose our words carefully. Wise people allow their words to be controlled by love for others and the desire to maintain healthy relationships. A fool rushes in and uses words like a rock thrown into calm water.

Let me encourage you to think about the words you will use to respond to people this week. They can be very helpful or very hurtful. Keep in mind that Solomon gave us a principle to remember and a plan to follow in Proverbs 15:1-2.

Questions for Reflection

1. How would you paraphrase Proverbs 15:1-2?
2. Recall a time when you didn’t respond well to someone. What could you have done to improve that situation?
3. What are steps you can take to ensure that your words are used rightly rather than foolishly?