Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
This passage of scripture teaches us one of the most valuable lessons of life, that of exercising restraint when we are spoken to in a rough or disrespectful manner, by our superiors or by those who are under our jurisdiction. Whatever the situation might be, and regardless of how incendiary and volatile the circumstance, we are always to maintain a calm and quiet spirit by the grace of God, which is of very great value in the estimation of heaven, and that's one of the reasons why we are counseled in the Bible to cultivate this delicate and tender characteristic. Let's read:
1st Peter 3:3 "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning" ........ 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
As Christians we are always to abide in Christ, being kept moment by moment by the power of God through faith, being careful no to fight fire with fire as the saying goes, for no fireman uses this method to extinguish flames, and neither should we, when attacked verbally for no reason. This admonition is especially relevant when dealing with a disrespectful spouse or child, who answers back in a demeaning or derogatory manner, when spoken to. Wisdom is justified in her children, and whenever situations like these occur, we should be on our guard lest we answer in an emotionally charged manner, thus causing the name of Christ to be reproached.
When we are answered roughly, it is not necessary to retaliate in like manner to get our point across, for this will only aggravate the situation, leading to more angry outbursts and even violence, for when we get all worked up with rage, we are tempted to do things that we would not do under different circumstances, and as Christians we should never be governed by impulse or circumstances. When Christ was being maligned and evil spoken of by His accusers in the court of Pilate, He maintained a profound silence, not adding fuel to the flames by any answer He could have given, for it is often the case when people are in an irrational state of mind, anything that is said to them, be it all so calm, fans the fire into an outright inferno, and so Christ refused to feed their angry outbursts. Let's read:
Mark 15:3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. 4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. 5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
This attitude here displayed by Christ should be carried into our homes and into the workplace where situations can suddenly turn sour for no apparent reason. When children answer parents in a disrespectful manner, or spouses embarrass each other, or when our superiors speak down to us in a humiliating or authoritative way, let's remember Christ as a lamb amongst wolves, and may God grant us His grace so that a soft answer would be our response, for the angry words and bitter recriminations that are sometimes hurled at us, should stop at the Christian's doorstep.
This is not easily accomplished, for it goes against the grain of our fallen nature, but we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which should keep before our faces the example of Christ in these things, and if we continue to behold His perfect character, we ourselves will be changed from glory to glory, even as by The Spirit of The Lord. Let's read:
1st Peter 2:19 For this is thank-worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.
May we begin to implement this instruction today, because it is greatly and urgently needed, and God will give us His grace to be humble enough, when we are mistreated by others. God bless!