In April 2019, news broke that the famous and beautiful Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France, was on fire. Some sort of spark there in the roof space caused a massive fire to break out early that evening. There was a quick response by the fire department, but by the time the fire was extinguished, the cathedral’s wooden spire had collapsed, most of the wooden roof had been destroyed, and the cathedral’s upper walls were severely damaged. Experts estimated the cost of repairs to be in the neighborhood of 7 billion dollars.

Fire can be devastating. It only takes a small spark to lead to a big fire with catastrophic outcomes.

The same can be said about our anger. Our anger is like a fire. It can flame up and destroy everything around us. And what can spark that anger? Oftentimes is just a word. That’s why today’s Proverb is so instructive.

Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” So, our words will either be a fire starter or a fire extinguisher. If you come at those around you with a harsh word, expect a fire to start. And it may burn you down before put out. But, the Bible says that a soft answer has the opposite effect. Instead of starting a fire, it extinguishes it. A soft answer turns away wrath.

So, which will you be, a fire starter or a fire extinguisher? Your words will decide.

Change begins in you!