25 - How to break bones

One assumes that the way to break a bone in your body is through trauma or a hard knock. Certainly that has been our experience of the years - sports injuries take place during contact sports! But listen to what Solomon says in Proverbs 25, as he challenges this notion.

"Patience can persuade a prince,    and soft speech can break bones." - Proverbs 25:15

Why would he say that? 
I think it is just a great way of saying that shouting at people will get you so far, but 'soft speech' can open up their hearts (and bones) to receive the words you need to say. We can get into the marrow of a person's heart by treating them with respect and gentleness.

Solomon adds some other interesting word pictures for us from the same chapter:

"Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble    is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot." v. 19

"Good news from far away    is like cold water to the thirsty." v.25

May you 'break some bones' today with the gentleness of your speech.

Living in Grace
D3LM3