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There is sound philosophy, as well as religion, in the advice of a cheerful man to his surly neighbour, who had just given a cross answer to the inquiries of some children who had lost their way: — "Jim, a man's tongue is like a cat's. It is either a piece of velvet, or a piece of sand-paper, just as he chooses to use it and to make it; and I declare you always seem to use your tongue for sand-paper. Try the velvet, man; try the velvet!"

(Blind Amos.)

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KJV: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

WEB: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.