Friday!

Proverbs!

Even what you have seen with your own eyes, do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?

Proverbs 25:7-8 BSB

Stephen Covey starts one of his books with a story of being on a train and there's two children running around yelling at each other, running around the carriage being annoying to all the passengers, and their Dad just sitting ignoring it all. Oblivious and uncaring about the impact his children are having on everyone else's quiet enjoyment of the journey.

He approaches the Dad and points out what's going on and asks him to sort his family out.

The Dad looks up and says "we've just come from the hospital where their Mum has just died, and I guess they don't quite know how to deal with that. And neither do I really."

When I put a label on someone, judge their behaviour or choices, without knowing their story, I've taken them to my court, judged, declared guilt, and put myself at risk of humiliation just as this proverb indicates. 

When we know this young Dad's story our heart towards him and his children changes. Rather than judge we want to offer help and care and compassion. 

This proverb is about encouraging us to engage with one another deeper than just what we see on the outside. 

#proverbs

#wisdom

#somethingtochewon

#itsaheartthing

#hearmystory