Proverbs of a 39 yr old man
It takes the right person to say something to someone at the right time. And not just anyone now, but that one person that has their respect and trust. The wrong person can say what needs to be said and will have had no effect making things worse. Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own. This is why the wounds of a friend are so faithful because they are brutally honest and caring at the same time. You can be real with them and not worry about losing their friendship in the process. You can speak the truth with love even though it may hurt and embarrass them. Better to correct someone openly than to let them think you don't care for him at all. Taking them aside quietly and weeping with them about their mistakes. An open rebuke will mean so much more coming from someone you look up to and revere. In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery. The honest word needs to be said to somebody who needs it. But again, also the right person needs to say it. It matters. Better to hear it from a friend than an enemy. Better to hear from a co worker than a boss. Better to hear from a spouse than a stranger. By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Study Prov. 24:26
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