Verse of the Day for August 12

There is an unsettling phrase in this passage: the fool rageth, and is confident. Rage and confidence in the same breath. The angrier he gets, the surer he is.

Most of us have been that person in a hard conversation. Heat rising, certainty rising with it. The two feed each other until we cannot imagine being wrong.

Proverbs sets two other people beside him. One is the simple who believeth every word, the one who takes in whatever is said without testing it. The other is the prudent man who looketh well to his going. He watches his steps.

A difficult conversation needs that kind of watching. You listen without swallowing everything whole. You speak without letting anger pose as conviction. And the wise man feareth, and departeth from evil. A little holy caution is not cowardice. It is the right posture when emotions are high.

Before the conversation with your spouse tonight, or your landlord, or the elder at church, notice your confidence level. If it is rising with your temperature, slow down. Ask one question before you make one point. Look well to your going.

Feeling sure and being right are not the same thing.

In every hard conversation, watch your step as well as your point.