The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
—Proverbs 10:8
I’ve never been in the military, but worked for many years as an environmental consultant to the Air Force, where I saw firsthand how the military operates. I’ve never been in law enforcement, but have a family member who is, and I’ve watched as the training changed that family member into a regimented and focused person for the hard work of public safety. My family is also full of teachers, so I know the value of being a leader who guides and directs students through clear instruction.
As a pastor, proclaiming the Word of God is primary to leading the church. Whatever else I might think (my opinions) or what I believe to be the case (my experienced reality) must be secondary to the truth contained in the Bible. Even in regard to the difficult Old Testament passages and teachings from Jesus, we are called to be faithfully obedient to God’s word – all of it. In our scripture verse for today, the author of Proverbs has a very simple and obvious statement – The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool come to ruin.
To be wise in heart takes humility and patience. It takes self-control and a willingness to be present without making yourself the center of the attention. And it also takes a willingness to listen WAY more than you talk. As we read God’s word, pray, and spend time in worship, if we’re doing all the talking, then we’re missing out on the very life-saving commands of God that He is so ready to give us, for our good and His glory. As you listen to the voice of the Spirit speaking into your wisened heart, you’ll hear clear direction in indecision, comfort in times of great discouragement, correction for the wayward path, and forgiveness of sin. A wise heart is able to hear it all and respond with gratitude, praise, and vision for the future.
The other option is to just keep talking to God and others without stopping to listen to the wisdom and care of others. God has given us very clear commands to be present with Him without having to say anything. The author of our Proverb today warns that chattering fools come to ruin. My family has a standing joke about holding up a sign during my preaching that says, “K.I.S.S.” It means, Keep It Short Silly. I like that. I neither want to be a chattering fool or come to ruin because of it. So, we’ll let that admonition guide our day today. Just stop and listen to the wisdom of the Word and be present for those around you and to listen to God’s still small voice.
I don’t think it’ll take time at boot camp or the police academy to learn to be disciplined, but it probably is the fast-track. I believe that daily prayer, reading the Word, and worship are a fast-track to obediently listening and responding to the commands of God to love those around us. Practice actively listening today – true listening to the other without any desire to talk or respond. K.I.S.S! You’ll find that your inner-spirit is blessed and your presence is welcomed by God and the other.
If you are a pastoral leader, all of this is especially critical to the ministry of presence that God to which God has called you. Most people just want you to be present with them, to tell their story, and to have you pray. God will do the rest. And, because this is Pastor Appreciation Month, know that you are appreciated. I see the long hours, the leadership challenges, and all the ways that you feel alone, at times. I also see the celebrations, baptisms, new members, and the time preaching and teaching, all for God’s glory. In the (reported) deathbed words of John Wesley, “Best of all is, God is with us.” I am praying for you, and know that God is at work. Trust Him. God loves you and so do I.
~Steve
