“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”
Sticks and stones right? We’ve all heard it and I’m sure even said it. However words do have power. Go! Duck! Free! They all carry a message that when said in certain ways elicits strong emotions and reactions. Here Solomon is going even deeper into the truth of not only what we say but how we say it. Years ago with a room of as many as 150 active and noisy teens at my weekly club meetings I learned that whispering could quiet a room even quicker and more effectively than shouting. Taking the idea further to Solomon’s point, being kind and patient often either persuades or at the very least wears down the most obstinate person. Leaders know that strong arming may get desired behavior but the heart is still opposed to you. Quiet, kind, gentle, patient encouragement and faithfulness can win over the most stubborn. God is the best example of patience and unrestrained kindness. Kindness and love exhibited through the ultimate sacrifice on a rugged cross. Patience in that we are not squashed like a bug for our rebellion. He wins over many souls through practicing these two characteristics. In the same way He transforms others hearts as they encounter these attributes in our lives as His representatives. Today patience and soft spoken truth is a great goal.#BeTheEdge
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
