A Wise Person’s Words

How did your weekend of not speaking foolish words go? My weekend, jam-packed schedule as it was, was accompanied by very few foolish temptations. Monday and Tuesday, however, were different stories.

I had two days in a row at work with nothing but horrible messes, and when insurance is involved, the messes turn disastrous quickly.

Tuesday afternoon I found myself trapped in a figurative corner, attempting to solve an insured’s dilemma with my strength and knowledge without asking God for help. I wonder how differently the situation would have turned out if I turned to Him first. I bet my panic attack and stress level would have been reduced significantly.

Friday, we read that a fool’s words 1) are used for self-righteousness 2)argue about anything and 3) even a rich fool makes miserable company.

Today, in the home stretch of the work week, I want to pause to reflect on the counter to these three points.

1. Wise people use their words to glorify God, not themselves. When you tell a story, who is the main subject? Are you proud that you got the good grade on the test or do you boast in the Lord who gave you the capacity to understand the information? Was church really good last night because of the music and the pastor or because the Holy Spirit came and spoke individually?

A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions.
-Proverbs 18:2

2. A wise person resolves disputes rather than inflames arguments. One way this plays out daily in my life involves disputes with coworkers. When you are frustrated or annoyed, do you go to the person with whom your frustration abounds in order to find a solution or do you go to someone else to complain? A wise person seeks to resolve the dispute, not worsen it.

It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool can get  himself into a quarrel.
-Proverbs 20:3

3. A wise person would rather be poor than rich and stupid. I would like to be rich. I would like to buy groceries without wondering how much money is in my food budget that month. But I’d rather be wise and have little than rich and have more than I possibly want. Stuff brings no eternal pleasure.

Better  a poor  man who lives with integrity than someone who has deceitful lips and is a fool.
-Proverbs 19:1

As we finish our week, let’s finish strong – with wise words pouring from our lips so that we can give God the glory, encourage those around us, and enjoy that which God has entrusted to us.