Like Apples Of Gold

“In his old age, President James Madison suffered from many ailments and took a variety of medicines. It is said that a longtime friend from a nearby county sent him a box of vegetable pills, one of his own home remedies, asking to be informed if they brought relief. In time he received one of those gracious and carefully worded letters for which Madison was noted. It went something like this: "My dear friend, I thank you very much for the box of pills. I have taken them all; and while I cannot say I am better since taking them, it is quite possible that I might have been worse if I had not taken them."*

Dictionary.com defines “tact" as “...a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.” Some people pride themselves on being blunt and saying what they think regardless of how it might affect others. In many cases, such harsh words usually just stir up angry reactions (Proverbs 15:1). Of course there are times when plain speech is clearly needed. If I see one of my grandchildren about to run out into the street and a car is coming, I will not be concerned with tactful speech. Most likely I will forcefully yell “Stop!” without concern for tactfully sparing their feelings.

But in times when lives are not in danger, it is best to measure our words, giving consideration to how they may affect others. Earlier to this article, I referenced Proverbs 15:1 about how “...a harsh word stirs up anger.” The same verse also reminds us that “...a gentile answer turns away wrath. How we speak to others goes a long way toward predicting how they will speak to us. “There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18). “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances” (Proverbs 25:11).

God loves you!

Mike

*https://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/t/tact.htm