Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
There is an old English proverb that I swear was our family mantra when the kids were little, “You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” I am sure the saying came from today’s verse in Proverbs 15:1. I have to admit, it is very true!
I know when I was teaching, instead of yelling to get students’ attention, I would get quieter. Yes, it really did work. I found that raising my voice only made them raise theirs more. As a matter of fact, I was once told that I was actually scarier when I got quiet. . . LOL! The point is it didn’t do me any good to get louder or angrier because it just kept the fires burning.
We most often apply this verse to the people around us. Did you know it works from within as well? Have you noticed when you do something wrong, your immediate reaction is to chastise yourself? That usually leads to frustration, anger, and more often than not just plain giving up. On the other hand, if you give yourself some grace, remind yourself it is Ok you will try again.
When I sit in front of a blank screen or canvas, instead of telling me how many ways not to do something, I find myself saying, “Let’s just try it and see how it comes out!” No things are not always going to work out in your life. Things are not always going to make you happy. However, God’s advice here will sure make it easier, and certainly more joyful along the way.
Lord, remind me to treat myself to honey and not vinegar today, just like You do! ~amen
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