Proverbs 15:1

Authorized King James Version

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A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Original Language Analysis

מַֽעֲנֶה answer H4617
מַֽעֲנֶה answer
Strong's: H4617
Word #: 1 of 8
a reply (favorable or contradictory)
רַּ֭ךְ A soft H7390
רַּ֭ךְ A soft
Strong's: H7390
Word #: 2 of 8
tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak
יָשִׁ֣יב turneth H7725
יָשִׁ֣יב turneth
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 3 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
חֵמָ֑ה away wrath H2534
חֵמָ֑ה away wrath
Strong's: H2534
Word #: 4 of 8
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
וּדְבַר words H1697
וּדְבַר words
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 5 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
עֶ֝֗צֶב but grievous H6089
עֶ֝֗צֶב but grievous
Strong's: H6089
Word #: 6 of 8
an earthen vessel; usually (painful) toil; also a pang (whether of body or mind)
יַעֲלֶה stir up H5927
יַעֲלֶה stir up
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 7 of 8
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אָֽף׃ anger H639
אָֽף׃ anger
Strong's: H639
Word #: 8 of 8
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

Analysis & Commentary

The Hebrew 'rak' (soft, gentle) answer has power to 'turn away' (Hebrew 'shuv'—cause to return, avert) wrath, demonstrating wisdom's transformative effect on conflict. The contrast between soft answers and 'grievous' (Hebrew 'etseb'—painful, hurtful) words shows that tone and manner are as important as content. This proverb reveals that self-control in speech reflects godly wisdom and prevents the escalation of anger.

Historical Context

In honor-shame cultures like ancient Israel, perceived insults demanded response to preserve honor. This proverb offered counter-cultural wisdom: de-escalation through gentle speech rather than escalation through defending honor.

Questions for Reflection