CWW Week 41 - Anger - Day 3

Devotional: The Power of a Gentle Answer

Verse:
Proverbs 15:1 (ESV) –
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Devotional Thought

There’s a kind of power that doesn’t come from being loud or forceful—it comes from gentleness. Proverbs 15:1 gives us a simple but profound truth: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

You’ve likely experienced this in your own life. Maybe someone came at you with harsh words, and instead of biting back, you responded calmly—and the heat started to fade. Or perhaps you’ve snapped back in frustration, and suddenly things escalated into a full-blown argument. Words carry power, and how we use them can either bring peace or fuel conflict.

This proverb isn’t just about managing other people’s anger—it’s also about managing our own hearts. When we choose gentleness, especially when someone else is being aggressive, we’re not being weak—we’re being wise. A gentle response is like water on a fire, while a harsh word is like petrol on flames.

It’s easy to be gentle when everything’s going well. But the real test comes when we’re tired, offended, misunderstood, or just plain fed up. That’s when our words are most dangerous—and most powerful. In those moments, we have a choice: escalate or de-escalate. Respond with humility or react with heat.

But here’s the challenge: our natural instinct isn’t gentleness. It’s defence. Retaliation. Protecting our pride. That’s why we need God’s help to practise restraint and speak life, not just truth. Because a harsh word may feel justified in the moment, but it rarely produces anything good in the long run.

Jesus modelled this perfectly. When He was insulted, He didn’t retaliate. When He was questioned, He often answered with calm clarity or silence. He had all the authority and power in the world, yet He chose gentleness time and time again. That’s strength under control.

Proverbs 15:1 isn’t saying we shouldn’t speak up. There are times when truth needs to be said and hard conversations must happen. But the way we speak is just as important as what we say. Gentleness doesn’t water down the truth—it delivers it in a way that can actually be heard.

Imagine how our relationships could change if we consistently offered soft answers. In our homes, workplaces, churches, and even online, we could be known as people who bring peace, not pressure. That kind of gentleness stands out in a world that loves to argue and shout.

So today, ask yourself: what tone are you bringing into your conversations? Are your words calming storms—or stirring them up?

May we be people who choose gentleness, not to avoid conflict, but to reflect the heart of God.

Reflection Questions

1. Think of a recent situation where your words escalated tension. What could a “soft answer” have looked like in that moment?
   Reflect on how the tone of your response impacted the outcome.
2. Why do you think it’s often so difficult to respond gently when we’re upset?
   Consider what internal pressures or beliefs might be driving harsh reactions.
3. Who in your life could benefit from your gentle response this week?
   Think of someone with whom you often clash or feel challenged.

Prayer

Dear Lord, Papa God,

Thank You for being gentle with me, even when I don’t deserve it. You see every part of my heart, yet You respond with grace, not condemnation. You correct with kindness and speak peace into my life.

Lord, I admit that it’s hard to be gentle when I’m hurt, angry, or overwhelmed. Too often, my first reaction is sharp or defensive. Please forgive me for the times I’ve used harsh words and caused pain. Teach me to pause, breathe, and choose a soft answer, even when it’s difficult.

Help me reflect Your heart in the way I speak. Give me wisdom to know when to speak, courage to say what’s true, and the gentleness to deliver it with love. Let my words be healing, not harmful. Peace-bringing, not conflict-stirring.

Thank You that true strength isn’t found in raising my voice, but in lowering my pride. I want to honour You in every conversation.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Have a great day today with Jesus.

Graham Hood.