Sometimes — often times — thinking right thoughts seems nigh impossible. Or at least, terribly difficult.

I believe Proverbs 16:3 reveals one way to right thinking.

“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”

To think right, do right.

That seems like a works-based solution, I know. But the fact is, we cannot do right unless we know God and are known of Him.

Without Him we can do nothing to please Him.

So it still comes back to Him. Not me and what I can do.

Here’s another fact: Each of us needs to come back to Him.

Like a hymn says, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it.”

That’s me!

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

Whose wrath? Whose anger?

I used to think this verse has to do with the response of others to my words. It includes that, to be sure.

But why should my words not affect me as well?

When I feel anger rising in me, I can turn it away by choosing a soft answer instead of grievous words.

That isn’t just theory. I know it to be true. I speak from experience.

Here are two more verses from Proverbs 15 to add a little more substance to the concept:

“A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife” (18).

“The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things” (28).

May I learn to study my words, especially in tense situations. May I choose them carefully. May I choose the soft answer, even when my feelings are otherwise. Especially when my feelings are otherwise.

Now I suppose I shall be tested in that shortly. I do not look forward to that.