Which IS Best?

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
WHICH IS BEST?
Prov 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
NIV
Why when this truth is so clearly known it is not executed more toward the positive and never toward the negative? Why are harsh words ever spoken at all? It has been proven true from experience of persons, of nations that harsh words only bring harsh words in return. So then why would these harsh words ever have been released in the first place? Perhaps it has something to do with self-centeredness. Maybe whenever a person feels threatened by some form of correction or constructive criticism this response of some harsh words simply boils up. It is difficult at times to determine who spoke the first harsh word, but eventually a flurry of harsh words is flowing in both directions and eventually anger plays some role. Why is it so difficult to remember this? Why is it easier to response with a harsh word than with a gentle answer? If the Spirit of God resides within, it seems only natural that gentle answers should be the normal response. It would appear this is easier amidst strangers or acquaintances than within the close circle of family. Does familiarity truly bred contempt? Why do those harsh words occur with those loved them most? It is within the nature of man, but has not God spoken some harsh words? Maybe there are times when a harsh words stirs anger so some action will take place. But it seems only right; this is not how it should be. This is all about responses to words. Should we not all be in control of our responses? So we have a choice once again, respond with a harsh word and suffer the consequence or respond with a gentle answer and defuse the situation. It seems clear which is best.