Communication is essential for life, and it’s a big part of how we reach the world as Christians. A lot of times you hear the phrase, “It’s not what you say, but how you say it.” As I read Proverbs 18, I can’t help but think that many times our communication practices are riddled with dysfunction.
“A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions.”
Proverbs 18:2 HCSB
“A fool’s lips lead to strife, and his mouth provokes a beating. 7 A fool’s mouth is his devastation, and his lips are a trap for his life.”
Proverbs 18:6-7 HCSB
I stumbled upon great quote this week from Preston Sprinkle (professor of biblical studies at Eternity Bible College). He was responding to a woman who critically reviewed his book. He said this…
“She doesn’t reflect on my journey, only disagrees with my destination, and never mentions how I arrived there.”
Preston Sprinkle
Words matter. Tone matters. Yes, everyone has a “right” to their opinion. But in the family of God, there are standards. Foolish people do not want to listen or understand. They only want to talk. And I would argue that there are many people within God’s Kingdom who use their words foolishly.
“We find again that the fool is a source of trouble. He is the one who is always stirring up contention, issuing complaints, finding fault. We can give another fitting modern proverb: “Be considerate. Most people know how to express a complaint, but few utter a gracious compliment. The bee is seldom complimented for making honey; it is just criticized for stinging.” How true!”
J. Vernon McGee
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I hope that I don't come across this way I want to listen to God and others thoughts. As I was reading the commentary just now my thoughts went to a conversation I had earlier today where the conversation was monopolized by my life and this was a step out of my comfort zone and I had not talked about it openly to anyone except family and my close friend in probably 20 years. As I have grown in the Lord I find that I am beginning to share more and am finding that my experiences can help others that maybe are going through a similar situation.