Proverbs 15:1-2, 18 (ESV)

[1] A soft answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

[2] The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,

but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

[18] A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,

but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

Proverbs 15 addresses a number of significant issues, but at the heart of the chapter is this idea of speaking and living at peace with those around us. A quiet heart brings peace. A heart at peace quiets contention. A quiet heart thinks before it speaks. A quiet heart receives instruction and reproof. The heart of the righteous is a heart at peace. It is a heart that thinks before it speaks. It is a heart that is less concerned about self, and more concerned about the hurts and needs of others. It is a heart that is grounded in prayer, and expressed in ways that brings peace, joy, and refreshment to the soul of those around us. It is a heart that has learned to listen well to the Lord and to set its mind on that which comes from him.

Proverbs 15:26-28 (ESV)

[26] The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,

but gracious words are pure.

[27] Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household,

but he who hates bribes will live.

[28] The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,

but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

The heart of peace is a heart grounded in the fear of the Lord. Fear of the Lord is not a heart cringing in fear. It is a heart that has learned to listen to the instruction of the Lord. It is a heart that recognizes, understands, and rests in the truth that God is great, and we are not. It is a heart of humility. The heart of peace is a heart concerned with the things of God and the needs of others. It is not centered on self.

Too often today the first question we ask it, “What’s in it for me?” We are too concerned about how church services minister to me. We are too distracted by our own needs. We are too obsessed with our own comfort and convenience. We do not live with quiet hearts. God forgive us. We preach the Good News but fail to live it. We preach faith but fail to believe. We preach God’s peace but fail to embrace it. The heart of peace is a heart that both experiences, expresses, and exports the peace of God. It is time to take our eyes off ourselves, set our hearts on God, and live in his peace.