A Twist on Advice

(Pro 12:15-16 LB) A fool thinks he needs no advice, but a wise man listens to others.  A fool is quick-tempered; a wise man stays cool when insulted.

There are times when a paraphrase can dig out insight.  What struck me here, and spoke to me, is that insults, which are meant to destroy, can actually build us up.  I know that does not make sense but think of an insulter as someone giving you advice for your life.  It is true they did not mean well.  They were hoping for the worst, but much depends on how we take it and whether we are open to what might be the helpful message.

Suppose that someone told you that you talk too much and no one wants to hear what you say.  Ouch.  I am not saying I speak from experience but if I were I would be able to decode that as a simple message:  I talk too much and no one wants to hear what I say.  See how that works?

So?  God can take anything negative and make it useful is we living in wisdom and humility.  Don’t forget the humility.