Proverbs 15:1-2
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
In our modern world there is a somewhat recent phenomenon known as trash talking. It is most commonly found in the field of sports. Wow! What is sporting about calling the opponent names and boasting about your own greatness?
I wonder if this idea of insulting another person or group while exaggerating the accomplishments of self is part of the reason for so much violence. It seems to follow that if a person cannot back up his boasts with action, he often resorts to criminal action.
I have noticed that Christians are all too often caught in this activity of trash talking. Rather than going to the Lord in prayer and confessing their own sins, they attack other people who hold a different point of view. I do not mean to compromise the solid truths of the Word of God, but much of the time it has nothing to do with biblical interpretation.
To give a soft answer is not a weak anemic attitude. It can be a positive force if we take the time to ask the Lord how we should respond to questionable practices. This entails looking into the Word of God on a consistent basis to find the solid foundation that God desires. How would Jesus respond?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil