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By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone. Proverbs 25:15 NKJV
Today’s verse deals with the art of diplomacy—dealing with people in a sensitive and effective way. We typically think of diplomacy in terms of international politics, where diplomats are involved. Perhaps a better word to use is tact.
Advertising executive Howard W. Newton once said, “Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy.” It’s a good definition. When we deal with anyone—rulers, bosses, employees, spouses, children, strangers, anyone—the goal of all our communication is to be heard and understood. This requires tact.
The key to communicating tactfully is to maintain respect for people with whom you are speaking. This means listening attentively when they speak, never interrupting them or raising your voice in response to their thoughts. It means thinking through what you say before you say it. It means being patient when you feel like hurrying the conversation along.
When tact is employed in communication, gentle words can create powerful change. People will listen to you because they know you care about them. And that’s really where tact begins—in loving others and showing them the respect they deserve as people who bear God’s image.
Do you communicate with tact? Ask God to help you listen patiently and speak gently today.
Prayer: Lord, may my words be Your words and my heart Your own.
Today’s verse deals with the art of diplomacy—dealing with people in a sensitive and effective way. We typically think of diplomacy in terms of international politics, where diplomats are involved. Perhaps a better word to use is tact.
Advertising executive Howard W. Newton once said, “Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy.” It’s a good definition. When we deal with anyone—rulers, bosses, employees, spouses, children, strangers, anyone—the goal of all our communication is to be heard and understood. This requires tact.
The key to communicating tactfully is to maintain respect for people with whom you are speaking. This means listening attentively when they speak, never interrupting them or raising your voice in response to their thoughts. It means thinking through what you say before you say it. It means being patient when you feel like hurrying the conversation along.
When tact is employed in communication, gentle words can create powerful change. People will listen to you because they know you care about them. And that’s really where tact begins—in loving others and showing them the respect they deserve as people who bear God’s image.
Do you communicate with tact? Ask God to help you listen patiently and speak gently today.
Prayer: Lord, may my words be Your words and my heart Your own.
