795) I do not handle confrontation and conflicts well with others. In fact, I would do just about anything to avoid this. This avoidance makes things easier for me in the moment but does not work well in the long-term. If I could remind myself of the wisdom found within Proverbs 15:1, perhaps I’d make the better choice of dealing with the conflict at the moment, bringing with it good long-term benefits.

What is this wisdom? It’s simple, really. Being gentle and calm when addressing conflict will help defuse it, but spewing harsh and angry words will only make it worse. Sometimes I have the incorrect idea that I can scorch someone with my point of view and it will change theirs. Unfortunately, many people do this and it never brings about the result we seek.

Gentle and calm response = defusing. Harsh and angry words = more anger. Which is better?