Proverbs 25:15
With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
And a soft tongue will break a bone.
Just let your eye drift over the previous proverbs in chapter 25. Remember, these were originally given as lessons in court etiquette. These traits will serve you well as you stand before the king. “But as proverbs, these pedagogic universals now serve as paradigms of many other situations and address all Israel.” (Waltke, 302). In other words, proverbs first given to aspiring courtiers have many more general applications.
Humility, caution, confidentiality, appropriateness (a sense of timing), reliability - and now gentleness. Here are things for you to cultivate in your life. Are you frustrated with calls to seek wisdom? Does that sound too general to be worthwhile? Well here are the details of wisdom for you to work on.
“Bone may have been chosen because ‘the bones are the most rigid parts inside of a person, and fracturing the bones here refers to breaking down the deepest, most hardened resistance to an idea a person may possess’…The courtier can bring another to his way of thinking through a patient, open, and warm disposition and through sensitive, tactful speech.” (Waltke, 324-325 - also quoting Garrett).
When you watch a TV show or movie you almost always see a one-time, heated argument where there is a clear winner and a clear loser. KAZAM!! But you have to have this kind of compressed, emotional moment because the show/movie can only last for so long. This discourse doesn’t work in real life - not at all.
In real life you need to engage differences of opinion slowly. And heat and anger should RARELY, RARELY be a part of the conversation. Let gentleness rule the day, even in argument. Don’t put all your eggs into one conversation. You’ll win…but over time. You’ll break the bone…but softly does it! (This not to be confused with ‘soft-pedaling)
Dear people, do you see how much we - YOU- need to change. We need to change our whole disposition. Start that now!
Bible Reading: Romans 16: 25-27
I should memorize this one. Can you follow Paul’s phrasing?
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