Craig Clouston

Quiet Words

The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
Ecclesiastes 9:17

Janet liked Reed. He was one of the most intelligent and engaging people she knew. However, because of his intellect, Reed sometimes engaged in the wrong thing at the wrong time. Reed had the potential to rub you the wrong way because he tended not to recognize or care when he was stepping on toes.
This evening’s event was becoming one such occasion … ”No, Sir, you are wrong!” Reed adamantly asserted.
Janet, hearing the annoyance in Reed’s voice, hurried over, grabbed him by the arm, and politely excused them. Once clear of the room, she asked, “What do you think you’re going to accomplish arguing with the senator?”
“I want him to admit the truth about partial-birth abortion!” he said in defense of his actions. “He spun his stand on mass murder of the unborn, sighting errant statistics slanted to meet his liberal agenda!” Reed said malignantly. “I was setting him straight!”
Janet measured her response. “Look, Reed. We agree abortion is wrong; and partial-birth is especially vile. But this event is neither the time nor the place to confront the senator. If you want to debate the issue, call his office and set an appointment.” Janet felt for Reed. His stand was one she shared. But he lacked the wisdom to temper his words. Hoping he would hear the wisdom in her words, she added, “Demeaning him in public won’t change his heart, Reed.”
“Perhaps,” Reed conceded. “But wrong is wrong … no matter how you spin it.”

†

Reed may have meant well but his actions were misdirected and inappropriate.
Colossians 4:5–6 says we should be wise and full of grace when dealing with unbelievers. The wise seek instruction from God, through His Holy Spirit, before debating matters of importance; be it abortion, or otherwise.
Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit allows God the opportunity to temper our words with grace, and opens our heart to His leading so our words plant seeds of truth, not enmity.

Prayer

“Teach me wisdom, Lord. Help me to know and present Your truth quietly in love. Amen.”