A soft answer turneth away wrath. Two things are here to be observed: an answer should be given—the injured person should not wrap himself in sullen silence; and that answer should be gentle and conciliatory. This is tersely put in a mediaeval rhyme—
"Frangitur ira gravis
Quando est respensio suavis."
"Anger, however great,
Is checked by answer sweet."
Septuagint, "A submissive ( ὑποπίπτουσα) answer averteth wrath." Thus Abigail quelled the excessive anger of David by her judicious submission (1 Samuel 25:24, etc.). But grievous words stir up anger. A word that causes vexation makes anger rise the higher.
ὁργῆς ματαίας εἰσὶν αἰτιοι λόγοι.
"Of empty anger words are oft the cause."