"A gentle answer deflects anger, but harse words make tempers flare" Proverbs 15:1
Let's dive into this verse of the month!!
Proverbs are full of everyday wisdom and this proverb is no exception.
It's pretty straight forward but definitely an easier said than done type Proverb.
Solomon (the author of Proverbs) is trying to tell us to try and respond gently with our answers/responses, because being or using harsh, disrespectful, unkind words, will make people angry and that won't often lead to productive conversations, let alone, won't show God's love.
Something I learned a few years ago, after reading the book "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" I reflected on the life of Jesus, and how we never see Jesus in a hurry. Jesus has many moments where he could react, but instead chooses to instead respond with patience and love.
It's crazy to think about how the scriptures literally tells us "Love is Patient", it's one of the first attributes listed to describe LOVE among many in 1 Corinthians 13, but I think it's important to highlight, that in order to love, patience MUST come first, because love IS patient.
We cannot properly love others if we are not patient. If we constantly react, rather than respond with a gentle answer, how can we show Gods love to others if love IS patience.