Scripture: Proverbs 8:6-8
Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right; for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them
Thought for the Day: Language is a glorious gift, though it can also have unintended consequences. We can say something with the best intentions, but how we say it might construe how it is heard. In some situations, an experience of the listener can completely distort what was said. And of course, there are those times when we express a little biting sarcasm or a hint of our passive-aggressive tendencies. It was John Maxwell who said, “In the end, people are persuaded not by what we say, but by what they understand.” We must work hard to make sure that what we say is, as the Proverb suggests, noble and right, truthful and just. But even then, we have to pay attention to how people respond, so that when our words are accidentally misconstrued or we simply do a poor job of making our point, we are able to find another way by which the other receives what we intended. We shouldn’t get frustrated with the listener…just try again because comprehension allows everyone to move toward true appreciation.
Prayer: Give me patience, O Living Word, when my best attempts at communicating seem to fall short. Keep me calm in spirit and resolute in my task. Amen.
Join us Wednesday Evening
Dinner at 5:30pm
Movie at 6:30pm
It’s A Wonderful Life
