Proverbs 12:16 Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
“Cautious Whispers” is a figurative and poetic expression that suggests carefully chosen words rather than impulsive or reckless speech. Be cautious about who you share your burdens with – the apathetic, careless and unconcerned will despise you.
Words unspoken die unborn – Kenneth Haigen.
The prudent are persistent. Jesus commended the persistent faith of a gentile Syrophoenician woman who pleaded with Jesus for the healing of her daughter. The daughter who was possessed with an impure spirit was healed as the prudent woman overlooked the insult and persisted in her petition. Jesus tested her faith and said, “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs” (Mark 7:27-28). The woman did not withdraw in anger to the reply of Jesus rather she overlooked the insult in prudence.
Offence is the enemy that shuts the door of heaven. The world is very touchy and easily offended. People are offended with God, or the government or/and even the unknown stranger on the street. Offense breeds animosity and anger. Anger will make us act foolishly but prudence teaches us to respond patiently. “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion” (Proverbs 8:12). The Syrophoenician woman would have lost her blessing if she had turned back at the words of Jesus in offense but she chose to overlook the insult and was not only commended by Jesus but also received the miracle.
Cautious Whispers:
- Pride: Pride makes a person stubborn, arrogant and disdainful. Pride would distance a person from God but prudence is patient and peaceful – free from conceit.
- Persist: Prudence forges our character through perseverance. Character is tested and shaped through difficult circumstances. The imprudent complain and criticize but the prudence praise and raise. The imprudent whine and wallow in self-pity but the prudent worship and walk in wisdom.
- Powerful: Prudence endows us with wisdom “not to be offended by anything or anyone”. When God is silent, He wants us to press-in closer in prayer to tap into His power and experience His glory.
The prudent are perseverant.
Prayer: Father God, help me not to be offended by anyone or anything. Amen.
Leave a Reply