Honest and Direct

June 16

Proverbs 25:15 says something a little confusing. Here we are told, “A ruler can be persuaded through patience, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” We must ponder these assertions carefully if we are to comprehend them at all!

We live in an age when national leaders regularly study opinion poles to determine whether their policies are viewed favorably or unfavorably by their constituents. Even though at times they push an agenda that is not well received by the voters, they refrain from pursuing those goals near election times!

They may put their agenda above the will of the people—but they are unlikely to do so at a time when their own defeat at the poles may result from their unpopular actions. Even more confusing is the second part of the verse that says, “a gentle tongue can break a bone”! This seems to say that words are powerful beyond measure.

In fact, words have a potential, even when they are uttered softly, to devastate the one at whom they are directed. The essence of this message to believers is that we should not veil our intent with subtlety as do the politicians. We should be honest and direct in all we say and do. If that is how we present ourselves to others, we will do no harm.