Sunrise Exuberance

Read Proverbs 27

A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning will be taken as a curse!

Proverbs 27:14

Like a linguist, Proverbs explores the power of the tongue in a number of different ways. It weaves together the words we say and the motives behind them to create revelations about human nature. At first glance, the emphasis in this proverb appears no deeper than a chuckle—clearly, this neighbor is not a morning person. However, consider the motive of the zealous greeter. Why was the greeter up at such an hour? Why go out of the way to call for the neighbor’s attention? Perhaps the pleasant greeting was a form of flattery with a person of influence—one with high standing in the community. Maybe that person had something the eager greeter desperately wanted. Whenever we trip over ourselves to get another person’s attention, we present a questionable motive. Are we trying too hard to impress? Are we attempting to elevate ourselves in society or the workplace instead of waiting on God’s direction?

Proverbs reminds us that such a venture often meets with disappointment. We can actually lose ground with such a “greeting.” Better to wait on God’s timing than force our own.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Consider another’s need.

Dear Lord, I know that I have tried too hard sometimes to impress someone. Help me to maintain pure motives in all my interaction with others.