A Soft Answer Turneth Away Wrath!

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. — Proverbs 15:1

In Ryan Holiday’s book, The Obstacle Is the Way, he alludes to the fact that history records Gen. George Washington as a brave and bold general, one that loomed over everything he engaged, plotted, or charted, resisting the occupying and superior British forces. The truth is his army was small, undertrained, undersupplied, and breakable. His tactics of warfare generally consisted of a defense mechanism of consciously avoiding large formations of British troops. His maneuvers were cuts, perforations, and punctures against a stronger more formidable enemy.

Washington taught his men to never attack where it is obvious. Never move or attack as the enemy would think you would. His ability to make minor skirmishes feel and look like major victories would have a significant impact.

His most shining moment was not a direct battle with the British. Nearly at the end of his rope, Washington and his men crossed the Delaware at dawn on Christmas Day, attacking a cluster of German mercenaries who may or may not have been drunk. Washington understood the value of retreating rather than marching headlong into certain defeat, saving troops instead of losing troops.

Sometimes our weakness is our greatest strength. All of us have formidable foes that we face. Admit it or not, we all wrestle with the thought of “Am I or am I not strong enough, large enough, or powerful enough to overcome the oppressing enemy that seems to be towering over my marriage, family, business, church, health, finances, and future?” A direct attack would surely put us even farther behind the eight ball. What should we do? We are no match going head-to-head with the enemy.

To retreat would make us look weak, insecure, self-doubting, apprehensive, and unconfident. On the other hand, to attack would surely be disastrous. The wise man reminds us that soft answers turn away wrath, teaching us the strength of silence. Sometimes, it really is golden.

Our prayer for you this week: May you learn the empowerment of soft answers.