Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, ok

“Did I Hear that Right?”
"...for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young..." – Proverbs 1:4 (NIV)

Key Word—Discreet: "Being tactful...careful not to say or do the wrong thing..."

I remember an incident when I was about 14. I had been hired by my to mow his lawn and when I was out mowing our yard he asked me if I could do his lawn on that Saturday. I had to tell him, “no” because I had planned to go out of town with my church youth group that day. I should have left it at that but as I was getting ready to go back into my house I yelled over to him, "Sorry, I can't be obligated." I thought I was being really “grown up” by using such a big word, but in my youthful, limited vocabulary the wrong word came out of my mouth. I meant to say oblige, but that is not what came out. My mother who was listening to the conversation gently corrected me but that did not ease my embarrassment.
Many will remember the great, Yogi Berra, who during his playing days for the New York Yankees was actually a very good baseball player. But he will probably be remembered more for some of his, “mis-statements,” rather than his baseball ability. He has become so “famous” for this that a word was created just for him: “Yogisms!” Here are just a few yogisms that you may recognize:
“Baseball is 90% physical and the other half is mental.” (If you do not know math you might miss that one!)
“If you see a fork in the road take it.” “The future ain’t what it used to be.” “You can observe a lot by watching.” “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.” Asked why the New York Yankees lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1960 World Series: “We made too many wrong mistakes.” My personal favorite: “It’s déjà vu all over again!” You got to love it!!
Similarly, there was a comic by the name of Gary Crosby who made a living doing the same thing. He would purposely use the wrong word for humorous effects. ,br /> Unfortunately, life and relationships are not always humorous and knowing what to say or what to do at the right time can make a big difference in people’s lives! Sometimes, it also could mean not saying something that you might regret later, and/or not doing something that could lead to serious repercussions.
I truly desire at all times to say and do the right things, although I know I will make mistakes and my words and actions will betray my intentions. However, if I follow the guidelines that are provided by God through his Word the probability of making reckless missteps is greatly minimized and I can avoid making many of those youthful mistakes and help keep my relationships strong and healthy!,br /> Have you ever said the wrong word at the wrong time? How did that make you feel? Did it cause a break or a hindrance in a special relationship? The truth is, having a great and extensive vocabulary is not the issue—it’s about being a better, stronger and caring human being.
Similarly, have there been instances when it would have far better to have said NOTHING? Take a moment to think about what this verse is saying and how making the right moves; saying the right word or not saying anything at all could make a world of difference to someone. Choosing the right words just might prevent someone else from making the wrong decision and save their life. (See Hebrews 10:24 for more instruction!)