TALK LOW, TALK SLOW
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)
