UASV’s Daily Devotional All Things Bible, Monday, March 24, 2025

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How Can Patience and Gentle Words Persuade Even the Powerful?

Proverbs 25:15 states, “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” This verse speaks to the effectiveness of two often-overlooked qualities: patience and gentle speech. In a world where force, aggression, and impatience are often glorified, the inspired wisdom of Scripture turns the focus to quiet endurance and controlled, gracious communication. This proverb teaches that influence, even over those in positions of power, is often achieved not through pressure or haste but by calm persistence and soft, wise words.

The first line, “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,” shows that even those with great authority—kings, judges, leaders—can be influenced when one approaches them with steady, composed endurance. The Hebrew term translated “patience” (’erek appayim) literally means “long of nose,” an idiom for being slow to anger. It implies restraint, long-suffering, and perseverance. This is the same characteristic attributed to Jehovah Himself in passages such as Exodus 34:6: “Jehovah, Jehovah, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

To persuade a ruler—someone who has the power to make decisions affecting many—requires careful timing, wisdom, and humility. Brashness, argumentation, and emotional outbursts rarely yield lasting influence. Proverbs 16:14 complements this thought: “A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it.” The wise individual understands the temperament of the powerful and uses discernment, rather than provocation, to turn the heart. Nehemiah’s respectful and prayerfully timed approach to King Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 2:1–6) is a biblical example of patient persuasion leading to favor.

The second line of the proverb, “and a gentle tongue can break a bone,” offers a vivid image of the strength of calm, thoughtful speech. At first glance, it may seem paradoxical—how can gentleness break something as hard as bone? Yet the point is clear: gentle speech can accomplish what harsh or forceful words cannot. The “bone” represents something strong, unyielding—possibly resistance, pride, or hardened opinions. A gentle word, when delivered wisely, can penetrate stubbornness, soften hearts, and bring about change.

The term “gentle tongue” points to speech that is calm, thoughtful, and guided by wisdom. Proverbs 15:1 offers a parallel truth: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This is not about manipulation but about exercising godly wisdom in communication. The believer is called to be careful with words, understanding that tone and delivery matter as much as content. Colossians 4:6 states, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Grace-filled words can diffuse tension and open doors that aggression would slam shut.

This proverb also highlights the virtue of self-control. The ability to wait patiently and to respond with gentleness requires discipline and maturity. Proverbs 16:32 affirms this: “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” Worldly strength often admires the conqueror, the loud, and the forceful. But the Scriptures honor the one who rules over his spirit, who masters his tongue, and who allows time and truth to do their work.

These principles are especially important in the context of conflict, correction, and leadership. Whether in the home, the congregation, or the workplace, the believer must approach difficult conversations and relationships with humility and gentleness. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:24–25, “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance.” Even in addressing error, gentleness is essential, not optional.

Ultimately, Proverbs 25:15 teaches that spiritual influence and true persuasion are achieved not by haste or harshness but by patience and soft, skillful speech. The wisdom of Jehovah calls His people to walk in calm, deliberate restraint—trusting that gentle truth has the power to move hearts, open doors, and even turn rulers. By cultivating these godly virtues, believers become instruments of peace and clarity in a noisy, hostile world.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).