“A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver”
Proverbs 25v11.
Today we continue our meditations on 33 sayings on Wisdom as found in the Book of Proverbs. In chapter 22 verse 23, we read: “I teach you today, even you. Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve?”
Honesty is a quality that everybody, especially Christians, should strive for. Wise people realise that lying or deception always has a bad outcome in relationships and business. A little lie is always followed by a bigger lie because “the truth will find you out”. Sometimes we stretch the truth or are economical with the truth or are guilty of selected reporting – honest people tell it like it is, but with sensitivity and love. The last part of this verse emphasises that wise people bring truthful reports and the reason is to avoid confusion, wrong decision making and unnecessary conflict. In Proverbs 26v18 it says: “Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of deathis one who deceives their neighbour and says, ‘I was only joking!”.
Next week we will see why we should avoid hot tempered people.
God Bless
Graeme Greenwood