Proverbs 15–16: Understand how soft answers turn away wrath, and that the Lord directs our steps.
I first searched rsc.byu.edu and josephsmithpapers.org for insights into Proverbs 15 and 16. While Joseph Smith Papers did not yield directly relevant doctrinal commentary on these specific verses, the BYU Religious Studies Center provided an article that touches upon the principles of seeking the Lord's direction, which aligns well with the theme of Proverbs 16.
Proverbs 15 teaches that "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). This highlights the power of our words and responses in defusing conflict. Furthermore, Proverbs 16 emphasizes the Lord's guiding hand, stating that "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord" (Proverbs 16:1), and "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). Even when we make plans, it is the Lord who ultimately directs our paths.
Elder Quentin L. Cook, in an article published by the BYU Religious Studies Center, discussed how faith in Jesus Christ requires us to act, but always with a recognition that the Lord ultimately directs our steps. He elaborated on the need for both agency and humility in seeking and accepting divine guidance, emphasizing that God's perspective is always perfect and His plan ultimately beneficial. This article reminds us that while we are expected to make preparations and exert effort, true wisdom comes from allowing the Lord to direct our outcomes. https://rsc.byu.edu/faith-truth-light-life-sermons-parables-teachings-jesus-christ/what-does-lord-require-us
How might a greater understanding of the Lord's perfect perspective influence our "preparations of the heart" and our willingness to offer "soft answers" in moments of contention?
Considering our morning intention to intentionally seek and hearken to the Lord's counsel by studying His word and praying for discernment, how might a deeper trust in the Lord's ability to direct our steps free us to more readily follow divine promptings, even when the path ahead is unclear?
Scripture References:
1. Proverbs 15:1: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/prov/15?lang=eng#p1
2. Proverbs 16:1: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/prov/16?lang=eng#p1
3. Proverbs 16:9: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/prov/16?lang=eng#p9
4. Quentin L. Cook, "What Does the Lord Require of Us?", in Faith, Truth, Light, and Life: The Sermons, Parables, and Teachings of Jesus Christ, BYU Religious Studies Center, https://rsc.byu.edu/faith-truth-light-life-sermons-parables-teachings-jesus-christ/what-does-lord-require-us