Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

Commentary

An ideal of conduct is urged in the comments on how we should say what we say (v. 1). A soft answer is a concilatory answer, often relieving a tense situation by dissolving a person's anger. Such responses require kindness, self-control, patience, love, peace - all the fruit of the Spirit.

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Pr 15:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

"Anger is removed by a gentle response, but a heated response fuels the flame."

King James Version study Bible . 1997, c1988 (electronic ed.) (Pr 15:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Proverbs 20:3 - It is to a man's honor to avoid strife

It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.

Proverbs 20:3

Commentary

One who is a peacemaker is under the blessing of God (Matt. 5:9). A needlessly contentious person is but a fool. The man of peace has glory; the fool, only shame.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Pr 20:3). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Related Verse

A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension,
but a patient man calms a quarrel.

-Proverbs 15:18 (NIV)