A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
This is an important verse for your spouse whose love language is Words of Affirmation (WoA). Answering in a gentle way regardless the circumstances is a good policy. Responding in a harsh way (or using harsh words at all with your WoA sensitive spouse) is a sure fire way to incite anger.
What trigger words does your spouse have that are sure to stir up anger? Don’t know? Why don’t you ask them?