A familiar Bible saying, checked in context
A soft answer turneth away wrath
Word for word
These exact words open Proverbs 15:1 and are balanced by a warning about grievous words.
By @The..Mustard..Seed · Updated
Read the relevant KJV passage
Proverbs 15:1A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Compare the evidence
The following proverb contrasts wise use of knowledge with foolish speech, placing verse 1 in a cluster about words.
Proverbs 15:2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Another proverb says a soft tongue breaks the bone, using a surprising image for patient persuasion.
Proverbs 25:15By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
What the context adds
The KJV proverb sets two kinds of speech against one another: a soft answer turns away wrath, while grievous words stir up anger. Sharing only the first half loses that sharp contrast. Proverbs 15 continues with several observations about the tongue, correction, and knowledge. Proverbs 25:15 adds a different image of patient, soft speech. Neither passage guarantees that a gentle reply will control someone else’s anger every time. It offers wisdom about one’s own words. Compare both halves and ask what kind of answer you can give in a real conversation.
A question to carry forward
What does the second half of Proverbs 15:1 ask you to notice about your own words?
Keep reading
Read Proverbs 15:1–4 and compare how speech is described across the sayings.
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