A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)

              If I had a nickel for every time I walked away from a conversation thinking, “I wish I hadn’t said that” I would have a lot of nickels. A LOT OF NICKELS.

              Sometimes I say things without thinking. It just comes out. Other times, I let my emotions get the best of me and say things I regret. And sometimes I say things that I think are funny, not realizing how they can sound harsh and hurtful to someone else. I don’t mean to utter “harsh words,” but sometimes they just pop out.

              The book of Proverbs is filled with sage advice.

• “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” It’s good to show a little humility.
• “A generous person will be enriched.” By giving we receive so much more.
• “If one gives answer before hearing, it is folly and shame.” The importance of truly listening.

              All good advice. And so is, “Think before you speak,” which is what Proverbs 15:1 says to me. Sure, there are times when a harsh word may be needed, but I am sure not as often as we use them. It can quickly turn a conversation into an exchange of angry accusations which serves no purpose other than building a wall between us. We need fewer walls.

              A soft answer doesn’t make us soft. It opens space for conversation and the possibility of working out our differences rather than cementing them in place. Forgive me if I have ever uttered a harsh word to you. I did not mean to put a wall between us. It is my hope that in all of our conversations, we can learn how to build bridges instead of walls.