When someone becomes angry with us, it is very easy to respond in kind. We have this immediate idea that our anger is going to solve the problem, when in reality it only makes things worse.
In our text, Solomon has a better response. Instead of heated emotion, and cutting words, Solomon suggests that a soft answer is the way to turn away wrath. A soft answer will draw out the heat, or the poison, from the conflict, and help process a proper perspective on the problem at hand.
James says in James 1:19-20 "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
Anger is like a volcano that erupts, and all of the heated lava pours out. It is better to respond to one who is very angry, in a spirit of patience, respect, and of course love. This will produce the righteousness of God. It will be the right response in conflict, in hopes of acquiring right results.
In a battle involving heated emotion and careless words, no one wins. May God help us in all times of conflict, to always consider the feelings and needs of others, instead of just ourselves. GP
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