I attended a dinner where the honored guest was a person who I could most generously describe as “crusty.” In the several years I’d known him, I had never heard him say anything nice to—or about—anyone else. As he spoke and gave “advice” to a room full of lawyers about how to be a successful person, I found myself discounting nearly everything he said.
Why?
Well, while he WAS financially successful, he had ZERO credibility on any subject except maybe—how to be ruthless!
Later, when driving home, I was challenged to think about whether I was in any way like him. After all, working in the legal field can make a person pretty cynical and ugly. I wondered about the overall impression I had among others in my profession. Was I also perceived as unkind and arrogant? When I retire someday, I want younger lawyers, clerks, judges, and other folks who saw me in my profession to remember me for courtesy, respect, kindness, caring, and civility. These characteristics glorify God.
My communication must be with wisdom and love.
“There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 12:18
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”
I Corinthians 13:1
As a child of God, my voice should bring healing instead of hurting.
Ultimately, God gave my heart compassion for this man who, at the end of his career, had still had recognized the folly of his ways; and thus, was no closer to discovering the blessing that he could have been. However, I was very thankful for this reminder! God inspired me to work harder to constantly renew my mind in Him so that my words glorify Him. We live in a world full of adversity, and kind words pave the way for others to find God’s path of peace.
“She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”
Proverbs 31:26
