OUR DAILY BREAD                    Tuesday, May 9, 1995
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READ:  Proverbs 15:1-7

                     Reverse the Trend

                  "A soft answer turns
                       away wrath"

                                -- Proverbs 15:1


Many years ago a speech research unit at Kenyon College conducted a test in 
cooperation with the U.S. Navy. The purpose was to discover how the tone 
quality of the voice affected sailors when they were given orders. A number 
of experiments revealed that the way a person was addressed determined to a 
large extent the kind of response he would make.

For example, when an individual was spoken to in a soft voice, he would 
answer in a similar manner. but when he was shouted at, his reply came back 
in the same sharp tone. This was true whether the communication was given 
face-to-face, over the intercom, or by telephone.

The study reminds me of Proverbs 15:1, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a 
harsh word stirs up anger." What we say and how we say it not only makes a 
difference in the reaction we receive, but it also determines whether 
conflict or peace will result. How many arguments could be avoided and tense 
situations relaxed if we practiced the truth of this verse!

The next time someone speaks to you in a harsh or angry tone, reverse the 
trend by expressing meekness, quietness of spirit, and loving concern. What a 
difference a soft answer can make in our relationships!

- Richard W. De Haan

  So many folks use words that are harsh,
  When angry, they speak their mind;
  But Christ would have us reverse this trend
  With words that are always kind.

  - Dennis J. De Haan

  Thought for the Day: To get out of a hard situation,
                       try a soft answer.

  The Bible in One Year: Nehemiah 7-9

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