Proverbs 15:1-3 (ESV)
15 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
The Proverbs teach that every person has the ability to exercise self-control when it comes to what she says and the way she says it. The words we use, even the tone of our speech, greatly impact the way our communication is received. We are never to compromise truth, but we are to be kind when working with those who have a difference of opinion. It’s not wise to couple a painful message with a harsh tone. Through gentleness, the wise make knowledge attractive and desirable. Fools, refusing to exercise self-control, spew out words that bring harm rather than healing. God is aware of all that we communicate, the attitude of our words, and even the motives behind what we say. Not one thing in the universe escapes the knowledge of God. He will reward those who build others up, and he will hold responsible those who tear down people, relationship and even communities.