A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1 NLT
Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on answering gently. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response. To turn away wrath and seek peace, choose gentle words.
This stuck with me because last week was a very argumentative week for me to say the least. Boo Thang and I have been having the dumbest of arguments lately. I think the change of scenery, slight stress, and new living situation has us biting at each other a little bit. We're fine (can't let the night slip away before we make things right), but I've noticed that we are some loud arguers, lol. Gentle answers are something that we both need to work on. He gets loud, I get louder….and the next thing we know we're wondering why the other is screaming. Which always breaks the argument into laughter (we're odd). But an argument or two in a relationship is to be expected.
This devotion REALLY stuck with me because of my "arguments" on social networks. I enjoy intelligent discussions and debates. They are my life force. I am the type of person that has to get my point across. If I don't agree with you, I will tell you why and back it up with all the reasons why. Blame it on law school….but I love to go back and forth with people. Who knows? You talk a good enough game and I just might change my mind.
What irritates me are those people that have ideals and thoughts about particular things with basis or backing. When you ask them why they believe that, they have a shaky explanation. When you tell the reason you believe the opposite, they get upset. *side eye* Is it a crime to disagree nowadays? A lot of people on social networks (well…..life in general)are under the assumption that if you think differently from them that you hate them and everything you say is wrong. I had a Twitter discussion earlier this week about The Help with a follower (why I did this to myself for the 3rd time is BEYOND ME). He said that he neither read the book nor saw the movie and wasn't planning on doing either. Then proceeds to talk about it. I said, "I really can't get on board with anything you're saying because you aren't able to speak intelligently about the subject." From here, I was accused of insulting his character and integrity. Was that "harsh words to make a temper flare?" I regularly get into these debates with the same end result. *sighs* What I have come to realize is that people don't like to be challenged. While I enjoy this mental stimulation, others are content where they are. I have vowed to stay away from these debates with people I don't know very well. It's a headache.
