KNOW WHEN TO BE QUIET!

‘Fools vent…the wise quietly hold it back.’

Proverbs 29:11

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Carol Kuykendall writes: ‘My very pregnant daughter got her hair cut…from long to stylishly short. She was trying to get used to her new look when we ran into one of her friends. ‘Oh no!’ her friend wailed…‘I don’t like it!’ Then as if to rationalise her words, she quickly added, ‘You know me. I’m a Truth-Teller!’ As we walked away my daughter told me she could’ve done without the truth that day!…It made me more aware of that critical moment in conversation when I’m faced with a choice: Do I say what I’m thinking? Or do I zip it? I keep hearing that ‘telling it like it is’ and ‘being real’ is good for relationships. Reality TV, confessions on Oprah and Twittering the Truth add to our reverence for authenticity. But here’s what I know about myself: if I say everything I think, I can slay people in my path. And just because I think something—doesn’t make it true…A good question to ask is: Is it helpful—or hurtful—to the person or our relationship? What about the timing and tone? [For example] a comment about a spouse’s appearance is hurtful when they can’t do anything about it, and will only make him or her self-conscious the rest of the evening.’ The Bible says, ‘Fools vent…the wise quietly hold it back.’ Knowing when not to speak is often more important than knowing what to say. That’s what Paul had in mind: ‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…that it may benefit those who listen’ (Ephesians 4:29 NIV).

Ezekiel 43-45, Luke 1:39-56, Psalm 139:1-6 , Proverbs 15:25-27

TODAY'S PRAYER - FROM PRAYER FOR TODAY MAGAZINE

GOOD LEADERS

It takes an entrepreneurial spirit to build up a successful business, but it takes maturity, character and wisdom to lead a company well. Pray for someone you know who has a leadership role in a local company or organisation, that they will be open to the leading of God’s Spirit to become more skilful, more trustworthy leaders. Pray that they will know how to motivate and inspire every staff member who works for them.

About Prayer for Today

COULD YOU COMMIT TO PRAYING REGULARLY FOR A LOCAL BUSINESS AND ENCOURAGE STAFF BY SHARING WHAT YOU HEAR FROM GOD.

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