A GENTLE ANSWER

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. ​(Proverbs 15:1-2)
 
A father learned that his son had failed a course at school. He knew that his son’s future entrance into a prestigious university was therefore in danger. Blaming the teacher for this turn of events, he stormed into his son’s classroom after school and accused the teacher of unfairness. He threatened to have the teacher fired if the grade was not changed. The teacher, believing the grade was deserved, would not change the grade and held his ground.
 
The father then went to the principal and demanded he intervene. When the principal supported the teacher’s position, the father even threatened to try to have the principal removed. At the height of the tension, there was a brief pause, followed by these words from the principal: "Sir, I can see that you love your son very much."
 
There was an instant transformation. The anger melted away; tears of grace followed. The principal, with a gentle answer, chose to speak to what was true and noble in the father rather than to his presenting angry weakness. He chose not to be the parent’s opponent, but to stand as a companion of the father. Both loved the boy and wanted what was best for him. Both wanted him to succeed. When anger was no longer the issue, a cooperative way to increase the boy’s knowledge could be found, and the way of wisdom could be followed.            
 
In this story, it is important to note that the ‘gentle answer’ is not just a ‘nice’ answer but it is a wise answer characterized by courage and humility. The principal chooses to resist intimidation, not by shouting louder, nor by using the power of his office and the prestige of his academic degrees. He sets those things aside and chooses to be a servant to what is best for the boy and the father.
 
Jesus is the Word of God, the Wisdom of God, the Gentle Answer of God to all our rebellious anger.
 

A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles. [William Hazlitt]


Be gentle to all and stern with yourself. [Saint Teresa of Avila]
 

Loving Jesus, gentle Lamb,
In Thy gracious hands I am;
Make me, Saviour, what Thou art,
Live Thyself within my heart.
[Hymn: ‘Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild’ by Charles Wesley, 1707 - 1788]
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

“… in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect”. (1 Peter 3:15)