What does Proverbs 15:1 mean?
ESV: A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
NIV: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
NASB: A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
CSB: A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.
NLT: A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
KJV: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
NKJV: A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Verse Commentary:
Solomon offers wise advice about how to respond to anger. He says a soft or gentle answer can defuse a potentially explosive situation. The word translated "wrath" here means rage. This is the kind of volatile anger that eventually leads to physical conflict. When we're insulted or angry, the easiest course of action is to become furious and respond to the other person's rage with similar rage. However, if a person chooses to respond to rage with harsh, hurtful words, he will make matters worse. Cutting, bitter responses only cause the enraged person's anger to escalate; that results in further hostility.
In contrast, a cool temper refuses to fight fire with fire. The wise person answers gently, and that gentleness extinguishes the fire. At the very least, it gives no more fuel for it to burn. A calm, polite response can take a great deal of tension out of an argument.
This response calls for wisdom, thoughtfulness, concern for the other person, and self-discipline. Romans 12:19–20 tells us not to avenge ourselves, but to know the Lord will repay the wrong. The believer's responsibility is to show kindness to an enemy: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).
Verse Context:
Proverbs 15:1–5 focuses on the wisdom of responding correctly to disagreement and correction. Several verses note the value in "soft" or "gentle" answers in resolving conflict. Those who unleash a torrent of attacks and criticisms are foolish, compared to those who take the time to consider an answer. Solomon reminds the reader that God sees and knows all, and he gives another reminder of the importance of listening to wise counselors.
Chapter Summary:
Solomon begins this chapter of Proverbs by addressing subjects such as anger and self-control and how those reactions produce different responses from others. That extends to how carefully a person guards their words, and their responses to questions. Wise people seek wisdom and humbly accept it. Foolish people are careless, lazy, or arrogant. Solomon also notes the importance of perspective, and once again commends those who sincerely seek godly wisdom.
Chapter Context:
Chapter 10 began a long list of Solomon's wise sayings. This passage continues to emphasize common themes such as hard work, humility, godly wisdom, and self-control. This extended collection of proverbs continues through much of chapter 22.
Book Summary:
Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.
Accessed 4/29/2024 12:36:24 PM
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
