If your house were on fire, would you want water or gasoline to be added?
This question is a no-brainer: Who would want gasoline added to their house that was already on fire? Gasoline would only make matters worse; gasoline would ignite, not extinguish!
On a super-hot day, would you leave your heater blasting at 90 degrees? For sure not; you would leave it at a moderate cooling temperature because you want a comforting temperature to welcome you home from a hot and sticky summer afternoon. So, then it’s clear we need to be watchful and know which temperature (hot or cold) is needed and when. This analogy can be used for everyday attitudes.
A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. (Proverbs 15:1-2)
Your way of answering can cause peace or war. It can extinguish or ignite anger. I understand that sometimes people automatically act in anger, but if you respond in the same way, the situation can get out of control and ignite trouble like wildfire. Many end up in jail or even six feet under because of attitudes taken in anger.
Make a decision today. Decide that you’ll be the one to use your tongue wisely. You will extinguish instead of ignite. Be careful with the way you answer your family—mother, father, sister, brother, husband, or wife.
Ask the Lord to give you wisdom to answer in the right way. This action could save a life!
May the God of the Bible bless you!
Bishop Bira Joshua
