The Proverbs :: A Guidebook for MenSample

Imagine it… you’re on hold. You’ve been on hold. You’ve been on hold before this hold after you pushed all the buttons to get through the automated directory…

Then someone answers.

Who do they meet when they do? What kind of language do they hear coming over the phone? How do you feel when that conversation ends?

Our days are full of interpersonal interactions. At home, at work, over the phone and in person, over text messages, and on social media, we build our public-facing résumés day in and day out through the way we speak to other people… and God sees it all.

Proverbs 15 is a resounding commentary on how we, as Christians, should carry ourselves through these interactions. Over and over again, Solomon makes clear how seriously the Lord considers the direction of our hearts and the holiness of our dialogue. This section of Scripture should land heavily on all of us. No one carries themselves perfectly when it comes to the words that come out of our mouths. We all fall short in this area. We are prone to gossip, judge, stir up controversy, and compare ourselves to others. We mock, we taunt, we condemn, and we slander.

God sees it all, and the World listens.

A mark of the godly person is their wisdom in considering their words, not only when one is treated fairly but all the more so when one is mistreated. But man is notorious for doing the opposite. We sputter and spew language freely, often offensively and without much thought.

If we are going to be men on mission for God, ambassadors of His reconciliation here on Earth, this cannot be overlooked. We cannot be Christians who profess our love for God with our mouths and then turn and “gush evil” with those same mouths (or thumbs).

So what guidance can we glean for how we are supposed to act when that natural desire towards rage or anger rises in us?

The Hebrew word, ‘rahd,’ describes a child in the Scriptures. While the term ‘soft’ is used in many translations, it can be reasonably translated as ‘gentle’ or ‘mild,’ which gives readers the idea of how a person should speak in a tense moment of conflict. It is as if the author is encouraging readers to have the patience they would have toward a child, toward all people.

Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. You have been given these gifts through the Holy Spirit. Ask God for the wisdom to use them, to let them change how you act and speak. As you do, watch as the world around you sees Jesus through how you live.

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God, You show us Your character in the person of Jesus. He never lashed out, misspoke, or poured out evil words, even though He was mistreated and wrongfully accused. If wisdom looks like patience in moments of conflict, then I desire this kind of patience. Remind me of the diffusing power of a kind-hearted answer in the tensest of situations. Please remind me of this priceless wisdom when I feel tempted to lash out, be sarcastic, or hurl insults. Amen