July 30, 2006
A Man of Understanding Holds His Tongue
This week’s passage comes from Proverbs, Chapter 11 Verses12-14
A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor,
but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.
For lack of guidance a nation falls,
but many advisers make victory sure.
My thoughts:
This is a tremendous lesson that most people learn the hard way. People who gossip never develop truly close relationships with others. If you speak negatively about one person behind their back, most people will believe that you will speak negatively about them. This hinders the healthy growth and development of the relationship.
If you do not develop relationships then you have no one to advise you or give you guidance in tough situations.
Without the support of advisors, mentors or close friends we all make bad decisions. We need the support of others – for our own benefit as well as for the benefit of our business.
Here is a good rule to live by: Always defend those who are not in the room. You do not need to agree with them, or with their position. You just need to support their right to participate in the discussion – in their own defense.
This will not only make you a valuable friend, it will also helps strengthen your character.
You will find that this gift is one that will come back to you ten-fold.
Filed under: Business and The Bible
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