Many people say my youngest daughter and I are a lot alike. I’m not sure why, but we’re the kind of people who tell it like it is. You don’t typically have to try to figure out what we’re thinking. And, if you ask for our opinion, we’re going to give it to you. You may not like it, but at least you’ll know. While my first reaction to the comment is to smile, it quickly turns to concern because I know she’s going hurt people’s feelings. (I sure have!) Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (ESV). This is something that’s not only going to help in everyday relationships, but family relationships, too. It’s something I have to work on. The truth in love is always preferred.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

Suggested Reading: Proverbs 15:1,, Ephesians 4:15