Quiet Words
May 17
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, sight-
ing 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.”
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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.”
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