Day 28 - "A gentle answer turns away wrath"
Today's Reading is Proverbs 15:1-15 (NIV)
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. A fool spurns a parent's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin. The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright. The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die. Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord—how much more do human hearts! Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise. A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Questions to Consider about the Reading
- How does the contrast between gentle and harsh words in verse 1 apply to your current relationships and conversations?
- What does it mean that "the eyes of the Lord are everywhere" (verse 3), and how should this awareness affect how we live?
- Which of these proverbs about speech, discipline, or attitude challenges you most, and why does it stand out?
- How do these verses help us understand what pleases God versus what he detests?
- What connection do you see between having a "cheerful heart" and wisdom in this passage?
What's One Thing God Wants You to Underline?
Ending Prayer
God, thank you for reminding us that our words have power - to heal or to hurt, to build up or tear down. Help us choose gentleness over harshness, especially when we're frustrated or angry. Give us hearts that are truly cheerful, not because everything is easy, but because we trust in you. Show us where we need correction, and help us receive it with humility instead of defensiveness. We want to live in ways that please you, not just in our big decisions but in our everyday conversations and attitudes. Amen.