In our last blog we saw that the third refreshing mark of a wise person is that they acknowledge when they’re wrong. The fourth mark of the wise is that they are
Self-controlled
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise…The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction… A wise man’s heart guides his mouth and his lips promote instruction. Proverbs 10:19; 16:21, 23
Being careful with your tongue not only builds character, but a reputation as well.
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Prov.29:11
The wise control their anger keeping in mind the long term outcome of their words. They can calm animosity and persuade without manipulation, a rare quality. This fourth mark fosters the fifth characteristic of the wise in that they have a
Positive Influence on Others by simply being who they are.
They’re the kind of person who encourages with patience. They provide a shoulder to lean on, but also a kick in the pants when needed. In casual conversations people take mental notes as they throw out ideas, concepts and connections.
We can learned a lot by standing around the right places and people. The wise provide fresh insights with reality oriented knowledge. Their passionate wisdom does not come from an ivory tower.
The lips of the wise spread knowledge…The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. Proverbs 15:7: 13:14
In our next blog will see that that the wise know what to do in the midst of conflict. We’ll see how a young Jewish boy in 1934 dealt with the Nazi youth of his Bavarian neighborhood and what it meant for world history.
Shalom,
Mark
mark@startingoverwokshops.com
