My
voice hasn’t changed that much since I was 10 years old. I know this because when I was 10, telephone solicitors
would call our house. When I answered,
they would immediately ask to speak to my mother. The thing is, they kept on calling and kept
on asking for my mother as I answered the phone
in my 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and (“do-not-call” lists notwithstanding) my 50’s. I don’t have much control over still sounding
like I’m 10, but I should have control over what I say and perhaps even more
importantly, how I say it. It’s not
always easy.
Many
of the 28 verses in Proverbs 25 have a common theme….. be wise about what we
say, how we say it and when we say it.
Vs 6 – Don’t pump yourself up in front of others
Vs 9 – Don’t betray another’s confidence
Vs
11 – Speak the right word at the right time
Vs
12 – Value a wise friend’s timely reprimand
Vs
13 – Do what you say you will do
Vs
14 – Don’t talk big but then not follow through
Vs
18 – Telling lies causes chaos & pain
Vs 23
– A sly or gossipy tongue brings trouble
Vs
24 – Nagging brings loneliness
Vs
25 – Share good news to encourage others
Verse
15 is the one that really catches my eye.
It refers to the person who can “break defenses” and change things with patient
and gentle speech. My role model is
someone who can remain calm when things get stressful, speak up without anger
or malice, and ultimately have a positive influence and power over a
situation. As the Proverb notes, patient
and calm speaking persuades the leader.
We
certainly express our intelligence (or perhaps the lack of it) by what we
say. But more importantly we put our
discernment and wisdom on display by how
we say things as well. I can certainly
be “right” about one thing or another, but if I communicate my thought, my
opinion, or my recommendation in such a way that I come across as offensive or
arrogant, am I really being smart? Intelligent,
maybe; wise, no. Proverbs 25:15 tells me
a patient and gentle tongue doesn’t mean a “timid” outcome; it can actually be quite
powerful in its effect. Having a patient
and gentle approach is pleasing to God.
It is certainly pleasing to others.
Proverbs 25 tells us how to help others hear us with an open mind and
heart and better act on the wisdom we have to offer.
How
can you use your words wisely today?
Ronda
Hutchins
Adult
Ministry Admin
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