Wisely labeled “the saving virtue,” tact graces a life like fragrance graces a rose. One whiff of those red petals erases any memory of the thorns. Tact is like that. It’s remarkable how peaceful and pleasant it can make us. Its major goal is avoiding unnecessary offense . . . and that alone ought to make us crave it. Its basic function is a keen sense of what to say or do in order to maintain the truth and good relationships . . .
Read MoreTag Archives: Proverbs
Understatements
You’ve heard of “too little and too late.” How about “too many and too much”? That’s the way I’d describe our times. In a society overrun with overstatements, I find an occasional “not quite enough” a sheer delight. Too much empty talk. Too much rich food. Too much emphasis on success, winning, being the biggest and the best. Too much comparison and commercialism.
Read MoreDepth
Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Proverbs 2:2 We need wisdom, not just knowledge. God is willing to give wisdom, but not on our terms. As we go deeper, He begins to entrust us with more and more of His mind. In the process, we become more and more like Christ. […]
Read MoreHow God Leads Us
The LORD directs out steps, So why try to understand everything along the way? Proverbs 20:24 I could probably list at least ten ways that God leads his children today, but I will limit myself to the four that I think are the most significant methods of God’s leading. First and most basic, God leads […]
Read MoreReckless Friendship
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Proverbs 17:17 A special joy binds two friends who are not reluctant to risk danger on each other’s behalf. If a true friend finds you’re in need, he or she will find a way to help. Nor will a […]
Read MoreDiscoveries
“Can you see anything?” What a question to ask! Howard Carter’s mouth and eyes were wide open when his aide asked it. His head was stuck into a timeless tomb. Beads of perspiration popped out on the British archaeologist’s brow. For six straight years he had been digging. Endless trenches. Tons of rubble. Huge chunks of worthless debris. Nothing!
Read MoreBeing What Ya’ Are, Part Two
As I mentioned yesterday, on many occasions I recall being taught by my parents about the importance of standing alone, setting my own agenda, not trying to be something I wasn’t, and above all, walking humbly with my God. “Pride will eat you up, son. Just be what ya’ are.” I cannot number the times I heard words of Scripture quoted to me that assaulted phony and faulty arrogance.
Read MoreGeneral Facts from God’s Word, Part 2
But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself. He will be wounded and disgraced. His shame will never be erased. Proverbs 6:32–33 Yesterday covered two important facts from God’s Word related to the subject of abortion. Below is the third of four. Fact three: Some sins incur greater consequences […]
Read MoreInnovation, Part One
Webster defines it: “The introduction of something new . . . a new idea, method, or device.” When we innovate, we change, we flex. We approach the standard operating procedure, not like a soft-footed Native American scout sneaking up on a deer by the brook, but rather like Wild Bill Hickok in a saloon with both guns blazing. It takes guts to innovate, because it requires creative thinking.
Read MoreGenerous with Grace
Before closing off our study of intolerance, two more sayings are worth our attention: The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered. (11:25) The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor,
The wicked does not understand such concern. (29:7)