Proverbs 16

Again today King Solomon mixes wisdom’s M&Ms together in chapter sixteen, and then I come along with this crazy urge to put all the red ones together, all the yellow ones together… you know the drill.

Some never make it, devoured before they have a chance to join their team:

[2] – I think my ways are all clean, but the Lord weighs the motives.

[3] – If I give my works to Him, he establishes my plans.

Tasty!

[9] – I plan my way (and it’s OK that I do) but the Lord directs my steps.

The verses I want to line up and study a little more today are 21 & 23:

[21] The wise in heart will be called discerning,

And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

[23] The heart of the wise teaches his mouth,

and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

I’ve NEVER seen that before. The wise heart teaches the mouth. Picture that a minute – Fascinating!

And sweet speech increases persuasiveness? I’ll second that. Who of us hasn’t seen just the opposite in action, even among the well-intentioned.

I know a gentleman who fits Solomon’s description. He’s the founder and CEO of Midwest Airlines.  I’ve seen him up close. We’ve served and worshiped together side by side. I’ve asked for and taken his counsel, and thanked him for his insight. It’s an honor to count Tim as one of my friends. He’s wise, discerning, of sweet speech (soft-spoken), and persuasive.  I want to be like that when I grow up! 🙂 

This is a great chapter. I hope today is as great as today’s content!

Phil—

Oh, one more thing. I have to go back and smile at verse seven – just once. “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be a peace with him.” Who IS this guy?! We have an election next year!

(You can click on the “Proverbs” tag to see posts by others travelling through Proverbs this month, there are several of us.)