Patience And Gentleness

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Proverbs 25:15 (NIV)

Patience and gentleness are the attributes of wisdom highlighted today. Both are also important fruits of the Spirit of God in our lives. This means that when we yield our lives more and more to the presence and leading and the fullness of the Holy Spirit, his character not only dominates but actually becomes our character. Our impatience and rudeness are replaced. This is really, really good news not only for us but for everyone we come in contact with.

In our proverb, first of all, we’re told that being patient with a ruler can be persuasive. Interesting. Ladies, let’s apply this to someone in your life whom you want to persuade—perhaps your boss, or your husband, or a leader you serve under. You have a good idea. You have a good plan, and you’d like to present it. Wisdom says don’t shove it down someone’s throat. Don’t be pushy or bossy or critical. That is not the way to win friends or influence people.

Thomas Fuller once said, “Kindness is the noblest weapon to conquer with.” So true. Think about it. If someone is trying to persuade us, they will win us more with honey than with vinegar. And so if you have a hard situation, be gentle. If you don’t get your way, be gracious. “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1, NIV).

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Once again, wisdom blazes a path of goodness before us and invites us to travel the high road. Each time we accept and submit to God’s way, anxiety and frustration fall by the wayside. Fighting and feuding are unnecessary. Patience is the key ingredient. So the challenge to you and me is, will we trust God? Even if he does not work the solution on your timetable (which he usually doesn’t), will you wait and trust?

Let’s Pray

Lord, this is sometimes very hard. Impatience rises up and wants to take over. I need your Holy Spirit to impart your peace, giving me grace to wait on you.

One Year Bible Reading

Jeremiah 23:21–25:38; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17; Psalm 84:1-12; Proverbs 25:15