A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath (Proverbs 15:1-7)

Learning to turn away wrath is important. Scripture teaches us that we must try to resolve disputes using soft words, meaning tinder and carful words, keeping in mind our mutual love from God (John 13:35, Proverbs 10:12). The tone and level of our words must be equal to the peace we wish to have with and instill in the person who has come to us in anger.

In giving soft answers, we discuss the importance in determining if an answer should be given at all. We see that if a soft answer can be productive in resolving the issue and making for peace then it should be given but if no matter what you say will only continue the wrath or stir up more wrath then you should simply not reply and if possible leave them to their anger until they are calm enough to have a reasonable conversation (Proverbs 14:7; 18:19).

In this assessment we must also realize that “winning” an angry argument is not winning anything but more anger and strife and loss of brotherly love. Rather the goal of every conversation that a believer enters into must be edifying unto godliness for both parties. Otherwise, the conversation will only waste God’s time (1 Corinthians 6:20, Ephesians 5:15-17, Colossians 4:5-6) and gender more strife (2 Timothy 2:22-26).

In this message we use the healing nature of Jesus to show how we should be dealing with anger and strife in our own life (Matthew5:9, Matthew12:14-21, Acts 6:10-14). We must learn not to speak using our words of flesh but rather the words of faith and peace (John 6:63, Ephesians 4:1-3; 2:19-22). If we pair our true faith with the proper temperament and tempo, with the effort to cause peace, then we will turn away wrath and cause faith and peace to grow in the earth and will be called a child of God (Matthew 5:16, Proverbs 11:30).

Proverbs 15:1-7 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. 5 A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

(Preached on 12-10-2025 in the Wednesday Night Service by Pastor John Young at Community Baptist Church of Vicksburg Michigan)

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