Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter
15
Gold Nugget
Verse 28: “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, the mouth of the wicked
pours forth evil.”
Commentary
While playing cards, they used to know whose turn it
was when the game came to a halt. "It must be Steve's turn", they would
say. Another would say, "Study long, study wrong". I probably take
too long to consider my next move to a fault, but it has saved me some
heartache as well at times. Thinking about the different scenarios that could
result from my play - would often slow down the game, but I hope cards aren't
the only area of my life that I practice this. When dealing with people, this
can be a valuable attribute. Even when people are being mean or ugly, carefully
choosing your words is essential. Or as today's gold nugget says; “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.”
Today's "gold nugget" describes the behavior of the righteous and of the wicked. What best
describes you? Are you someone that says whatever hurtful thing comes to mind
without regard to the harm it will cause? Or are you someone that stills your
tongue and considers carefully what your response will be if you will give any
response at all? Processing your thoughts before acting or speaking and then
feeling confident that what you are going to say is okay with the Lord is what
is expected of a Christian. We can't continue to speak
what is on our minds at the expense of others and refer to ourselves as
Christians.
Prayer
Lord, give me the strength to hold my tongue and the
wisdom to respond with truth and love. Remind me that I don't need to rush my
response to someone's opposition of me. If I can have the self control to stop
my tongue, I know you will give me the wisdom of when and how to start it up
again. Amen
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