A gentle response deflects fury,
but a harsh word makes tempers rise.
2 The tongue of the wise presents knowledge well,
but the mouth of a fool spews out folly.
3 The eyes of Adonai are everywhere,
watching the evil and the good.
4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
but when it twists things, it breaks the spirit.
5 A fool despises his father’s discipline,
but he who heeds warnings is prudent.
6 The home of the righteous is a storehouse of treasure,
but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so the hearts of fools.
8 Adonai detests the sacrifices of the wicked
but delights in the prayers of the upright.
9 Adonai detests the way of the wicked
but loves anyone who pursues righteousness.
(Complete Jewish Bible).***
The human body is an amazing creation. Our bodies respond to the environment around us in ways that we are not even aware of, but are essential to our survival. One of those responses is to danger. Whenever we are confronted with danger, our body begins releasing adrenaline that prepares us to either confront the danger or run away from it. We do not consciously tell our bodies to do this, it is an automatic response based on our senses. For the most part, this is a good thing as it helps keep us safe.
This automatic response, however, can also cause challenges. For example, when it turns a civil conversation into an intense argument. The moment our body senses something confrontational in a conversation, it begins to react as if we are in danger. Adrenaline is released, which makes our posture more defensive. Proverbs 15:1 seems to intuitively understand this physical response. A harsh word will be perceived as a threat by the other leading to a more confrontational posture, stirring up anger. But a gentle answer and calm demeanor will avoid triggering certain responses, thus turning away wrath. Let us therefore be quick to share a gentle answer.
Hymn for Today: "All for Jesus" by Mary D. James.
1. All for Jesus! all for Jesus!
All my being's ransom'd pow'rs;
All my thoughts and words and doings,
All my days and all my hours.
All for Jesus! all for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours.
2. Let my hands perform his bidding;
Let my feet run in his ways;
Let my eyes see Jesus only;
Let my lips speak forth his praise.
All for Jesus! all for Jesus!
Let my lips speak forth his praise.
3. Worldlings prize their gems of beauty,
Cling to gilded toys of dust,
Boast of wealth, and fame, and pleasure;
Only Jesus will I trust.
Only Jesus! only Jesus!
Only Jesus will I trust.
4. Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I've lost sight of all beside,--
So enchained my spirit's vision,
Looking at the crucified.
All for Jesus! all for Jesus!
All for Jesus, crucified!
5. Oh, what wonder! how amazing!
Jesus, glorious King of kings,
Deigns to call me his beloved,
Lets me rest beneath his wings.
All for Jesus! all for Jesus!
Resting now beneath his wings.
Thought for Today: Be angry, but don’t sin[Ephesians 4:26 Psalm 4:5(4)] — don’t let the sun go down before you have dealt with the cause of your anger; 27 otherwise you leave room for the Adversary. (Ephesians 4:26-27)(Complete Jewish Bible).
Please pray: For faculty and students as they prepare for Christian ministry in Thailand.
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