Speak Softly – That Is A Big Stick

A fellow editor and colleague of dad gave him some unique thoughts on an ageless subject – “ANGER”. It’s not only worth repeating, but the principle should be taken out of moth-balls and put back into circulation. Here are some of his thoughts…
“Solomon based his advice on one of the simple truths of human nature when he said, “a soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). Since then, students of human behavior, as well as, have been trying to understand why (this) was so. Speech researchers have also recently performed some experiments to see if they could get at the root of why this was so.
They used telephones and intercom systems, asking people simple questions, each in a different degree of loudness. Invariably, the answers came back in the same volume as the questions were asked. When speaking with a soft tone of voice, a soft answer came back. Loudness resulted in loudness. Those on the receiving end were always influenced by the tones of the speaker.
Another result of the test showed that one CAN control his own anger by controlling the volume of his voice.
Whether we talk louder because we are angry, or become angry because we talk loudly – we don’t know, but anger resulted either way… One conclusion was inescapable: THE LOUDER YOU TALK, THE ANGRIER YOU BECOME.
Try this experiment on your own. Test it for yourself. Prove the principle and place it in your permanent files for daily use. CAUTION – THIS WILL BE A POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE SITUATION! Reprimand or point out a deficiency in someone who is known for having a ‘hot temper’. Keep your tone of voice low and keep it soft and mellow. The other person will be forced to keep his own voice down (soft and low), although it may take some time. Anger and softness don’t go together.
The wise man was right when he wrote, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit is better than he that takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32).
Anger is a normal human emotion… controlling it… is what takes effort. Many people have a big heart, but their ‘fuse’ is too short. They ‘go off’ at the least little thing. Paul writes, “In your anger, do not sin; do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” (Ephesians 4:26). ‘Time’ is important here, because the more time you give and the more you ‘feed’ anger, the more it grows, controls and dominates. The more you dwell on ‘it’, the worse ‘it’ gets, the worse it gets… the more regrets you will have because of the pain you will cause. Paul calls it giving Satan a “foothold”, a place to really ‘dig in’, work, control and dominate.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths”, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God”, Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:29-31).
“Speak softly and carry a big stick” is not always a bad idea, but learning to speak softly, may help you not need to use a big stick.

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