ALPHA MAAMA (A.M.)

Sapate Novema 14, 2021 

A soft answer turns away wrath

KO E tali malū ‘oku lolou ai ‘a e houhau 

Palovepi 15 (Proverbs 15)

(v. 1-2) KO E tali malū ‘oku lolou ai ‘a e houhau: Ka ko e lea māsila ‘oku ne langa‘i ‘a e ‘ita. Ko e ‘elelo ‘o e poto ‘oku ne ‘a‘au lelei ‘a e me‘a ‘oku ne ‘ilo: Ka ko e ngutu ‘o e vale ‘oku ne huhua atu ‘ene sesele.

(v. 1-2) A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

*Commentary: David Guzik Study Guide on Proverbs*

When people come to us in wrath, we are often tempted to be harsh in response. Wisdom shows us the value of a soft answer, one without sharp edges or points. That kind of answer can actually turn away wrath.

“Soft speech is like oil on bruised skin to soften and heal it (cf. Judges 8:1-3); painful speech has the effect of oil poured on fire (cf. 1 Kings 12:1-16).” (Waltke)

“Pride and passion on both sides strike together like two flints. We indulge in sarcasm as if we would rather lose a friend than miss scoring a point in the argument. All this the world excuses. But the Gospel sets before us our Savior’s example and imbues us with his spirit; so we should be careful not to provoke a chafed or wounded spirit.” (Bridges)

A harsh response to wrath will often only stirs up more anger. It may feel good at the moment, but ends up making the situation worse, not better.

“Many conflicts arise not because the issues separating the parties are so great but because of the temperaments people bring to a confrontation.” (Garrett)

“How was Saul enkindled by Doeg, and David by Nabal’s currishness! Rehoboam, with one churlish breath, lost ten tribes.” (Trapp)

“Gideon in Judges 8:1-3 is a classic example of the soft answer that brings peace, whereas Jephthah illustrates the harsh answer that leads to war (Judges 12:1-6).” (Ross)

Proverbs 15:2

The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

The wise man or woman will show their right use of knowledge by the words they say. The words from their tongue demonstrate their wisdom.

“Expressing what he knows prudently and gracefully; taking due care both what, and when, and to whom, and in what manner he speaks.” (Poole)

“This is very difficult to know: – when to speak, and when to be silent; what to speak, and what to leave unspoken; the manner that is best and most suitable to the occasion, the subject, the circumstances, and the persons…Even wise counsel may be foolishly given.” (Clarke)

A fool will be revealed by their words. It isn’t enough for a man or woman to claim they have wisdom in their heart or mind; what they say proves either their wisdom or folly.

Pours forth: “Heb., Bubbleth it out; blurteth it out, as a fountain casteth out its waters, with a great force and swiftness.” (Trapp)