Honk.

When someone acts out, spews anger, throws a tantrum, or is being naughty, sometimes one of the best things you can do is…nothing. Stop. Don’t react. Don’t say a word. Instead, put down the gas can that they want you to use to pour all over their fire, look stoically into their eyes, and wait. Say nothing. Be calm and tactful. Confusion may extinguish the fire so their eyes will be opened to realize how they are acting.

While saying nothing may not always be appropriate, sometimes just calmly and wisely turning the tables on someone else will be as though holding up a mirror for them to see the absurd folly of their behavior.

With that idea in mind, I love this story:

On a Friday evening, just as the light turned green, his car stalled. All his efforts to start it again, failed. A chorus of honking instantly arose from the cars behind him.

Feeling as frustrated as everyone else eager to get home for the weekend, he finally got out of his car and walked to the car behind him.

He waited for the driver to roll down his window, then said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t seem to get my car started. If you’ll go up there and give it a try, I’ll stay here and blow your horn for you.”

“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity” (Proverbs 21:23)

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1)

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control” (Proverbs 29:11)