Thursday, February 8, 2018

Devotions: A Choice of Words

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

Proverbs 15:1 New American Standard Bible (NASB)


This verse contrasts two options when dealing with people: gentleness or harshness. To compare these two options I will tell a story.
This is the story of Nabal. Nabal was a wealthy man in Israel who was known to have a temper and a bad attitude. While Saul was still king, David was on the run with his followers and camped in the hills above Nabals land. They protected Nabals home from thieves and wild animals, and never took from his flocks for food. One day David sent a courier to graciously ask for food during a time of celebration and prosperity. Nabal not only refused but responded defiantly and insultingly. David was not angry to begin with, but when he heard Nabal’s response he was livid and determined to exterminate everyone belonging to Nabal. Nabal’s harshness and unkindness made a good situation bad, and would have ended disastrously had it not been for a gentle answer. Nabal’s wife Abigail was a wise and gentle woman. When she learned of the situation, she prepared food and gifts for David and humbly went out to meet him. She begged mercy for her foolish husband and sparing for those in their house. Her gentleness and grace soothed David’s wroth and he turned away, sparing the lives of all.
This one story shows the affects our words can have in a situation. Harshness always makes things worse, but gentleness will soothe even a bitter or murderous heart.

How will your words affect your situations today?

No comments:

Post a Comment