If you are around folks who complain, beware that you do not engage in their complaining. Combat it in an opposite spirit of thanksgiving, praise, and rejoicing in your heart.

Proverbs 15:1 instructs us on how to live in an opposite spirit ~ which is to counteract the negative. It says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 17:19 Amplified says, “He who loves strife and is quarrelsome loves transgression and involves himself in guilt; he who raises high his gateway and is boastful and arrogant invites destruction.”

Strife, quarreling, harsh words, and angry outbursts are all fleshly reactions because of our hidden sins. The hidden sin gets triggered and we react. The opposite spirit is clearly stated in Proverbs 25:15 Amplified. It says, “By long forbearance and calmness of spirit a judge or ruler is persuaded, and soft speech breaks down the most bone-like resistance.”

Set the stage. Proverbs 15:30 Amplified says, “The light in the eyes (of him whose heart is joyful) rejoices the hearts of others, and good news nourishes the bones.”