A Soft Answer

By Laura Hunter

(Based on a true story)

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1).

1. Lizzie, give it back! I’m playing with it!

   No!

2. Girls, please stop fighting. Lizzie, you need to go to your room. Alice, I’d like to talk to you.

3. It’s not fair, Dad! I was playing with my unicorn, and Lizzie grabbed it. She always ruins things.

   It’s tough to be a big sister. Do you know what helps me when I get mad?

   What, Dad?

4. A scripture in the Bible. It says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” This means that if you speak kindly and softly, angry people will feel calmer. If you speak rudely or shout at them, they will just get angrier.

5. Do you think that will work with Lizzie?

   Next time, just try it and see what happens.

6. I want the fairy wings!

7. Alice remembered what Dad had told her.

   Lizzie, would you like to wear my crown? You can be a princess, and I’ll be your fairy friend.

8. OK, I’ll be a beautiful princess!

   Come on, your highness. Let’s play!

Illustrations by Scott Peck