The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 15:1

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

A soft answer turneth away wrath. Two things are here to be observed: an answer should be given—the injured person should not wrap himself in sullen silence; and that answer should be gentle and conciliatory. This is tersely put in a mediaeval rhyme—

"Frangitur ira gravis

Quando est respensio suavis."

"Anger, however great,

Is checked by answer sweet."

Septuagint, "A submissive ( ὑποπίπτουσα) answer averteth wrath." Thus Abigail quelled the excessive anger of David by her judicious submission (1 Samuel 25:24, etc.). But grievous words stir up anger. A word that causes vexation makes anger rise the higher.

ὁργῆς ματαίας εἰσὶν αἰτιοι λόγοι.

"Of empty anger words are oft the cause."

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