Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. Proverbs 20:5
Giving advice when it has not been requested of you can set the receiving parties' teeth on edge with irritation.
I've lost count of how many times unsolicited advice has been thrust upon me, usually by one who was completely unfamiliar with the intricate details of the situation I was navigating at the time; or by another who felt they had it all figured out, and therefore, had superior wisdom to express, whether I felt it was needed or not.
You've been there. I know it. No denying it.
We all have.
It is my desire to not give what I do not wish to receive that puts a sentry at the door of my mouth many times.
Keeping my mouth shut on decisions made by others - void of the use of wisdom or understanding . . . sometimes even common sense and logic; to the more surface type issues, causing me to want to toss in my opinion just because a moment of silence arose in the conversation.
It's a decision.
At times, I excel at the silence.
Other times, I fail miserably.
So it is this morning that as I mull over a seemingly insignifigant, unimportant, miniscule series of events that occured yesterday that I find I must once again employ self-control and keep my thoughts to myself.
As I consider words spoken and attitudes revealed, the Lord gently takes my thoughts down a particular path, reminding me of my very own rehabilitation in that area. As grateful as I am for life lessons learned, I know I would be amiss to remark or correct unless specifically asked for my input.
Thus, I wonder ~ do any today seek to understand? Are there any that seek knowledge? [Psalm 53:2]
And ever true ring the words of Proverbs in my mind:
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. Proverbs 20:5
May my understanding lie in the knowledge that perhaps what meets my eye is only a fraction of the reality of the others' situation, that I truly do not know the intricate details under the surface, and what I think I might know if far less superior in quality than I think it might be.
Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3
1 comment:
But then again you have Ezekiel 3:20 --
"since you have not warned him, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous deeds which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand."
-- where we are compelled to "give advice when it has not been requested," when we encounter sin in another's life.
But you haven't encountered sin in this case. You've encountered an illogical or foolish decision. So Ezekiel 3:20 does not apply.
But it's a fine line sometimes between folly and sin.
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