“A gentle tongue can break a bone” (25:15b). We are to be a people of gentle tongue. Do not argue with people or preach at them in frustration. Do not vociferate over the sins of others. If someone offends you with their unbelief, their disregard of God, their belligerence or with blasphemy, then swallow the offence and don’t strike out at them. It profits nothing when Christians bulldoze into situations with their ideas and opinions. No, we are to be a people of gentle tongue. Do not ride into situations on your high horse. People who ride warhorses into conversations only cause repulsion. The truth is beautiful and sacred. Don’t make it repulsive by your manner. Be gentle with outsiders, like Jesus. Jesus was the embodiment of truth. When the embodiment of truth rode into Jerusalem he rode in on a donkey, not a horse. He was making an important statement. The prophet Zechariah proclaimed it beforehand: “See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). Christlike gentleness is powerful. It is like dynamite to hard hearts. Next time you feel like rising up in indignation and belligerence remember this simple word of wisdom: “A gentle tongue can break a bone.” An attack will only harden defences, but a humble testimony spoken in love and grace will destroy the thickest armour. Be patient and gentle with people and you will create a space for love and grace to work powerfully. That is the way of Jesus who broke through the hostility of the human heart with the greatest act of grace imaginable.
Ask God to give you patience and help you act gently towards others.
Read Proverbs 25:11-18
