Proverbs 15:1 - Exposition

A soft answer turneth away wrath . Two things are here to be observed: an answer should be given—the injured person should not wrap himself in sullen silence; and that answer should be gentle and conciliatory. This is tersely put in a mediaeval rhyme—

" Frangitur ira gravis

Quando est respensio suavis ."

"Anger, however great,

Is checked by answer sweet."

Septuagint, "A submissive ( ὑποπίπτουσα ) answer averteth wrath." Thus Abigail quelled the excessive anger of David by her judicious submission ( 1 Samuel 25:24 , etc.). But grievous words stir up anger. A word that causes vexation makes anger rise the higher.

ὁργῆς ματαίας εἰσὶν αἰτιοι λόγοι .

"Of empty anger words are oft the cause."