Last week I had the opportunity to sub for the Ladies' Sunday School on the topic of Anger. So, we went through a number of Proverbs on the subject and I used a commentary by Charles Bridges on the book. And, since I'm prepping for BSF tomorrow night on Isaiah 53! I'm just going to post some of his instructive comments...
Prov 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.
Scripture so often illustrates the different effects of the tongue. The soft answer is the water to quench - grievous words are the oil to stir up the fire. And this is, alas! man's nature propensity; to feed rather than to quench the angry flame. We yield to irritation, retort upon our neighbor, have recourse to self-justification, insist upon the last word, say all that we could say, and think we "do well to be angry." Neither party gives up an atom of the will. Pride and passion on both sides strike together like two flints; and "behold! how great a matter such a little fire kindles!" (James 3:5). Thus there is the self-pleasing sarcasm; as if we had rather lose a friend, than miss a clever stroke. All this the world excuses as a sensitive and lively temper. But the gospel sets before us our Savior's example; gives us His Spirit, and imparts that blessed love that is not easily provoked; and therefore is careful not to provoke a chafed or wounded spirit. If others begin, let us forbear from continuing the strife. Patience is the true peace-maker. Soft and healing words gain a double victory - over ourselves and our brother.
----so many good points in that section...may we all be more ready with a soft answer.
I just thought the pine tree looked so lovely with all the snow...
