A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.               

                                                                   PROVERBS 15:1 NASB

   Arguements often start over minor issues - someone forgot to do what he promised, or someone forgot to say she'd be late, or someone did or didn't do something else - but these issues can escalate from the inconsequential into accusations, put-downs, and painful words that both parties remember long and regret at their leisure. There is a way to break that spiral and to keep an arguement from becoming nasty.

   Proverbs 15:1 ranks high among the all-time great solutions for women who can't seem to end the quarrel spiral. The solution is to answer gently, even if it is easier to speak defensively. A gentle answer can bring an arguement to an abrupt halt. Instead of a shooting comeback that stings, say something gentle; perhaps even agree with the other person. "I'm sorry." "I'll try to do better." "Please forgive me." Such mild answers defuse an arguement and bring it to a halt. Even if your antagonist responds with something like "you always say that," keep speaking those easygoing sentences. Stifle a mean comeback. Eventually this tactic will work.

   The gentle response can cool off a hot situation and turn it into a time to learn, to grow, and to better understand others. A peacemaker always wins God's blessing!