When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. …
A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-and how good is a timely word! …
A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. …
He who answers before listening-that is his folly and his shame. …
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s
rebuke to a listening ear.
Character Check When I experience conflict with others do I tend to overspiritualize it?
In Business Terms So often prayer is used to say, “I don’t think you’re understanding what I’m saying, and surely it must be because the Lord isn’t making it clear to you. So let’s stop and call upon him, so you can understand how right I am.”
The trouble with using prayer in the middle of a board meeting at church is that it is often suggested just as the discussion is getting honest. People are finally saying what they’ve been thinking all night (“You know, you really did lie to me, Jack”), and some nervous soul sees the Spirit slipping away and quickly wants to have a word of prayer. What people really mean is, “I’m uncomfortable with how heavy this discussion is getting, and I want to retreat, so everybody bow your head.” And it’s very hard at that point to say “No, let’s not.” The key moment is lost as the one side co-opts Jesus.
What we need to do in conflict is to talk to each other. God is quite capable of listening to our debate; we don’t need to pause and say, “God, are you here?” He is also quite capable of informing our hearing and speaking.
—Lynn Buzzard
Something to Think About Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress. – Mahatma Gandhi
