The Surprising Power of Gentle Words

I've been described as being very "direct"…maybe so, because I've always been known as someone who "tells it like it is". I've taken pride in the you may not like what I say, but I will always tell you like I see it. Well, maybe I need to work on the way in which I deliver my message...maybe you do too.

I/we need to understand and leverage the power of gentle words. Speak softly.

Proverbs 15:1 'A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger'. Proverbs 16:21, 24 'The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning'. 'Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones'.

The book of Proverbs repeatedly talks to the value of using gentle words coated with pleasantness and sweetness when we speak. It does not refer to flattery but plainly speaking the truth with gentleness and love as this can actually extinguish the fire of anger. In an argument or moments of animosity if we learn the power of gentle words, it can completely change the atmosphere and put out the heat.

Be nice. Grace wins.

FMJ