Today’s scripture: Proverbs 10:17-32 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
Today’s verses alert the reader to the fact that humans have a choice: a) act wisely, and here’s what happens, or, b) don’t act wisely, and here’s what happens.
I experienced a real-life example of this when someone didn’t heed a particular part of this passage:
When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but the prudent are restrained in speech.
In the 1980’s, I had a tonic-clonic (formerly called grand mal) seizure, brought about by hitting my head during a fall, and subsequently was hospitalized in the intensive care unit. While there, I called the human resources department at work and explained why I was not able to do my job for a while.
Upon returning to work, I sensed that many people were acting differently toward me, but couldn’t understand why. Some made it a point to avoid me without being overly obvious. Others gave me uneasy looks of concern or disapproval.
One day, the company’s assistant manager approached me when nobody else was around and gently inquired as to how I was “coming along with everything.” I was puzzled at the curious wording and inquired what the concern was. To make a long story short, a rumor had begun circulating during my absence that I had been hospitalized for a drug overdose!
I explained to the concerned assistant manager what had actually happened and received an instant apology, along with a clue as to how the rumor started. When the employee in human resources (with whom I had talked while hospitalized) had described me, it ended with, “It sounded like he was on drugs or something.” It was that person’s way of stating that my voice sounded weak and my speech was unclear. (I was exhausted from the ordeal, which may have affected my speech and speed of thought.)
Obviously, it would have been better if the HR employee’s “words had not been many” and had merely told fellow workers that I’d had a fall and would have to be away for a while. The unneeded/undocumented editorial opinion/comment certainly created a transgression against my totally innocent self.
I confronted the employee, who admitted that’s how the rumor likely got started, yet never received an apology. So, how does an innocent person go about regaining a good name and reputation? It ain’t easy, let me tell ya.
It seemed pointless to go running around all over the company proclaiming, “Hey folks, I really didn’t have a drug-induced seizure. I merely whacked my head in a fall!” along with an account of the whole ordeal. No, that approach would be annoying and stir up the matter.
I decided to use the “prudent and restrained in speech” approach. When occasionally asked about my absence, I gave a totally truthful answer and didn’t mention the insinuation of drug abuse. I continued to hold my head up high and interact with fellow employees as before while continuing to maintain a positive attitude about work.
In time, most everyone resumed treating me normally. However, there were a few people who never again were willing to interact with me as before the whole HR fiasco.
Thought for the day: Words are like seasonings. Some are great in certain situations. But, something good can be ruined by ones used inappropriately.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.