Proverbs 15:28 - The Grace of Thoughtful Speech.
Proverbs 15:28 (NIV) The heart of the
righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the
wicked gushes evil.
COMMENTARY PEARL
Tact
Wisely labeled "the saving virtue," tact
graces life like fragrance graces a rose. One whiff
erases any memory of the thorns. It's remarkable
how peaceful and pleasant tact can make us. Its
major goal is avoiding unnecessary offense, and
that alone ought to make us crave it. Its basic
function is a keen sense of what to say or do in
order to maintain the truth and good
relationships, and that alone ought to make us cultivate
it. Tact is incessantly appropriate, invariably
attractive, incurably appealing, but rare oh, is it
rare!
Remember the teacher who lacked tact?
Each morning you wondered if that was the day
you'd be singled out and embarrassed by some
public put-down. Remember the boss who lacked tact?
You never knew if he ever understood you or
considered you to be a valuable person. And who could
forget that tactless physician? You weren't a human
being; you were Case Number thirty-six.
But the classic example of tactless
humanity, I'm ashamed to declare, is the abrasive
Christian (so-called) who feels it his or her calling
to fight for the truth with little or no regard
for the other fella's feelings. Of course, this
is supposedly done in the name of the Lord -
"to do anything less would be compromise and
counterfeit."
This person's favorite modus operandi is
either to overlook or openly demean others.
Unfortunately, some preachers are the greatest offenders.
They seem to delight in developing a devastating
pulpit that scourges rather than encourages, that
blasts rather than builds.
"The heart of the righteous ponders how
to answer," writes Solomon. "A gentle answer
turns away wrath," said he. "The tongue of the
wise makes knowledge acceptable," he adds. "The
tongue of the wise brings healing," and "A man has
joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a
timely word!" (see Prov. 15:28, 1, 2; 12:18;
15:23).
No facts need be subtracted when tact is
added, by the way. Years ago, I used to sell shoes.
My seasoned employer, with a twinkle in his
eye, instructed me never to say, "Lady, your foot
is too big for this shoe!" I was taught to say,
instead, "I'm sorry, but this shoe is just a little
too small for your foot." Both statements
expressed the facts, but one was insulting while the
other was tactful.
It didn't shrink her foot, but it did
save her face and that's what tact is all
about.
Look for an opportunity today to bring
healing through a tactful answer.
Tact is incessantly appropriate,
invariably attractive, incurably appealing, but oh,
is it rare! [Chuck Swindoll www.insight.org.]
COMMENTARY
The good man thinks over what he is about to
say, not only that it may prove the more helpful,
but lest in haste he should say something that
would hurt another. [SDA Bible Commentary]
The righteous his tongue never runs before
his wit; he never speaks rashly, and never
unadvisedly; because he studies-- ponders, his thoughts
and his words. (Adam Clarke Commentary)
A righteous person weighs (carefully muses
on or considers) his answers before giving them
rather than blurting out the first thing that comes
to his mind. That way his words are more
appropriate and timely. [Bible Knowledge Commentary]
Think through what you say that it may be
with grace. (Matthew Henry's Commentary mod)
Caution is the fruit of wisdom; rashness is
the fruit of folly. [Jamieson, Fausset, and
Brown Commentary]
Thinking beforehand will help us to speak
and act wisely. The righteous weigh their
answers; the wicked dont wait to speak because
they dont care about the effects of their
words. It is important to have something to say,
but it is equally important to weigh it first.
Do you carefully plan your words, or do you
pour out your thoughts without concern for their
impact?
It is vital to think also before acting,
to consider the effects of our choices. Think
of your plans for today and consider what their
long-range results will be. As we deal with others, we
should keep these principles in mind. We should act
responsibly and justly with all people"friends and
enemies alike. [Life Application SB]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Colossians 4:6 - Speaking with Grace
Seasoned with Salt.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2018/20180428-1514.html
James 1:19 - Are You Listening?
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211111-0842.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible Study
Guides:
https://www.voiceofprophecy.com/study/discover
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Panorama of Prophecy with Pastor Doug
Batchelor: https://www.panoramaofprophecy.com/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
