Pointed Ponder: Ruler Critiques

To speak no evil of your rulers, even when their behavior is unbecoming, requires tact, a useful lifelong skill to nurture, that also facilities appropriate responses when confronted with your own mistakes and shortcomings.

Act 23:5

5 And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

Read Full Post »

Pointed Ponder: Tactfully Handling Jealousy

Gideon tactfully handled the anger and jealousy of those feeling left out of a great victory by suggesting with questions that their successes were much more impressive.

Judges 8:1-3

8:1 Then the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this that you have done to us, not to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they accused him fiercely. 2 And he said to them, “What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer? 3 God has given into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. What have I been able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger against him subsided when he said this.

Read Full Post »

Pointed Ponder: Wise Responses

Self-control, tact, and disgression are required to wisely watch words and remain calm under pressure.

Proverbs 17:27-28

27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Read Full Post »