Finding the right response

A fool shows his annoyance at once,
but a prudent man overlooks an insult. *

Rings way to close to home for me. How do you deal with these issues every day? Work is one of the places I constantly struggle with having the right response to something I disagree with, especially if it's the second or third time I've had to deal with the same issue.

Of course, King Solomon had an answer that explains why you never send that e-mail right after you wrote it; why you wait and ponder before you answer; why you think twice before making a brash comment in a meeting. Because you want to be prudent, and not be a fool.

Something I think I'll be working on the rest of my life.... :)

* Proverbs 12:16 ( New International Version )

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

friends -the good, the bad, and the ugly

He who covers over an offense promotes love,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

- Proverbs 17:9

New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

I was able to hang out with Peirre Newsome last night. He reminded me how important friends are, especially when it comes to keeping strong spiritually over the years. As the proverb says, it's so easy to ruin a relationship over little things, and yet it only takes one to decide to 'cover an offense'.

So many (including me at times) have gotten bitter because of both little and big offenses commited by different people, many of them old friends. I believe the only way to make it to the end with your friends at your side is to practice that proverb. No matter how great your friend is, at some point, they will commit a terrible offense against you - after all, they are only human. The question is, how will we respond... :)