soft answer turneth away wrath

a soft answer turneth away wrath

Responding to someone in a calm, humble manner will help assuage their anger or avoid any further trouble. The expression originated in the Bible, in Proverbs 15:1: "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." I know you're really upset over these accusations, but losing your temper with them now will only ensure you lose your job. Remember—a soft answer turneth away wrath. With two parents who were constantly at each others' throats—and all too quick to snap at us as well—I grew up with the knowledge that a soft answer turneth away wrath.
See also: answer, away, soft, turneth, wrath
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

soft answer turneth away wrath

Prov. If you speak softly and meekly to someone who is angry with you, that person will calm down. (Biblical.) It won't do any good for you to yell at John because he yelled at you. Remember that a soft answer turneth away wrath.
See also: answer, away, soft, turneth, wrath
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • a soft answer turneth away wrath
  • a soft answer turns away wrath
  • turneth
  • wrath
  • ball's in your court, the
  • dogsbody
  • chopped liver
  • humble abode
  • on (one's)/its knees
  • on your knees
References in classic literature
A soft answer turneth away wrath, and I suppressed my own feelings accordingly when it was my turn to reply.
The Woman in White
An' so it is, Miss Grey, "a soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger." It isn't only in them you speak to, but in yourself.'
Agnes Grey
There's an ancient but still relevant insight into outrage: "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
Can we all get along?
Proverbs 15:1 reads: "A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger."
Handling personal anger issues
Nine times out of ten, a soft answer turneth away wrath, as the Good Book says.
I ain't really misbehavin'