A Soft Answer by H.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jun 30, 1909

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 36, No. 25.

“A Soft Answer”

By H.

A SOFT answer turneth away wrath.” How do we know? Have we tried it? Is it true because the wise man said so a long time ago? No indeed; the statement is true because the fact is true. How much of the bitterness between daily associates would be turned to real strength and pleasure if this fact were remembered! Surely it is worth while to cultivate a sweet tone, to learn how to give a “soft” answer.

How almost detestable is the man or woman who is “snappy.” The excuse that such a one is “grouchy” is altogether insufficient. He is mean and selfish, often deliberately so, for there is no excuse for it.

There are times when a decided rebuke is necessary. Of course every one recognizes this. But O the sore hearts there are in this world from continual nagging. Children make mistakes or do something wrong; proper punishment or rebuke is administered—and then repeated over and over in cruel complaining and abuse, until the poor culprit is either crushed or calloused. If he rebels, the punishment is repeated; if he submits, wounded and broken, the harm is equally as great. “Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath.” “A soft answer turneth away wrath.”