The Witness of Wisdom
Scripture Reading — Proverbs 16:20-24
The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.
—Proverbs 16:21
One day at a gas service station I noticed a man scratching lottery tickets. I walked past him to the cashier, whom I often see there, to pay for my fuel. “I’ve got a coupon,” I said, “and the cash.”
“Good,” she answered in a kidding way, “and what else have you got?”
“A winning lotto ticket for a million bucks,” I joked loudly enough for the man behind me to overhear.
She laughed, but immediately I felt bad about it. Why would I affirm a foolish way to spend money? On top of that, I may have insulted the man scratching tickets.
As I left, I wondered about other ways I might have answered her jest. I could have said, “I’ve got a thankful heart.” That might have caught her off guard but sown little seeds of thanks. I could even have answered, “I’ve got hope in God.” A spiritual answer might have discovered a kindred spirit in the Lord or led to some inner reflection on their part, prompted by the Holy Spirit.
None of us can know how God will use what we say any given day to make an eternal difference. King Solomon knew wise words have a positive effect on those around us. Wisdom is a fountain of life that promotes instruction.
How will you be a “wise guy” to the people you’ll see today? How will your words influence others?
Lord Jesus, forgive us for spending our words foolishly. Give us wisdom to lead people to you, the giver of full life. Amen.
About the author — Daryl DeKlerk
Daryl DeKlerk pastors a church in Jarvis, Ontario. He is thankful for a sabbatical that enabled him to study the theme of Grace-filled Christian Witness. Daryl and his wife have three young children who keep them on their toes and on their knees in prayer.
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