John
Wayne, famous American actor and film icon, once said, “Talk low, talk slow,
and don’t say too much.” His advice is hard for me to follow since I’m a fast
talker and I don’t always speak quietly or limit my words. However, this idea
of controlling our speech can be a useful tool when dealing with anger. The
Bible says we are supposed to be “slow to speak” (James 1:19),
and that “a soft answer turns away wrath” (Prov. 15:1).
Gideon
gave a soft answer during a verbal scuffle with some fellow Israelites (Judg.
8). Just after his army defeated the Midianites, a group of his countrymen
criticized him sharply (v.1). They were miffed because they missed out on the
main part of the battle. Gideon did not fling back a rough response. Instead,
he reminded them that they had captured and killed the Midianite princes. He
also honored the men by asking, “What was I able to do in comparison with you?”
Finally, “their anger toward him subsided when he said that” (v.3).
With the
Lord’s help, we can defuse heated situations by reining in our words.
Responding gently and carefully to angry people can promote unity.
Bite your
tongue before your tongue bites others. (RBC)
