AUGUST 15, Proverbs 15:1

Seng’s grandma is a little deaf and so he always has to speak loudly when talking to her. He also has to repeat what he says many times to make himself understood. Not only grandma, he thinks his parents have the same problem! “Wow – that is terrible,” he thinks, “all these old folks are losing their hearing!”

Actually his parents are not deaf. When they do not quite catch what he says, they simply ignore him and this makes Seng unhappy. Instead of being honest with them about his feelings, what he does is to pretend not to hear his parents because he thinks, “If they can ignore me, so can I.”

One day mum comes back from the market feeling hot and tired. Calling out loudly in a clear tone to Seng, she asks him to get her a glass of cold water. Seng is playing computer games in the hall, and has heard his mum. However, he pretends not to hear. Mum calls again and again, but Seng still pretends not to hear. Eventually she could not tolerate being ignored and she scolds Seng harshly for not paying attention. However Seng raises his voice arguing she, too, does not answer his questions or hear what he is trying to say. This makes her even angrier.

Is Seng right in pretending not to hear his mum? Of course not. This is a terrible thing to do, and dear child, you must never do this. When someone is angry with you, what is the best way to handle it? The Bible has the answer for you which is found in today’s text which reads ‘a soft answer turneth away wrath’. A soft answer does not mean speaking softly but speaking gently, kindly and respectfully. We speak gently not just to our parents but to anyone we come into contact with. In doing so, we keep peace and can avoid more arguments.

Thought: What do I do when someone is angry with me?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, remind me that by soft words peace may be kept and arguments kept at bay. Help me remember today’s lesson. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.