By A soft answer turns away wrath,
Proverbs 15:1
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
What a necessary verse it is for us in this world! In fact, if the world got just this one verse in the Bible right, our world would be almost perfect! James chapter 3 affirms that if we can control our words, we can control the rest of us too.
Soft words are words spoken in careful preparation, for the purpose of making its content appealing to the listener (Pro 15:2a). Such words, though spoken with gentleness and respect, have the strength to persuade even the proud and boastful (Pro 25:15).
But harsh words stir up anger. Harsh words are not carefully prepared, but are like a tidal wave of folly (Pro 15:2b). Such words, though often spoken without much thought, are nonetheless painful stabs damaging those who have to hear them (Pro 12:18).
Proverbs 15:1 has a poetic simplicity to it that makes it easy to memorise. A proverb like this in your mind will transform the words on your tongue.