How you say something is sometimes more important than what you say. But what you say matters...and it's always important to consider the context.
For example, I'm continually amazed by the really lame things people say to singles--like "Why are you still single?" or "How old are you? You better get married soon before all the good ones are snatched up...and don't you want to have kids?" (If you'd like to view more of these and my commentary along the way, check out this old post.)
On a more serious note, at a funeral for a close friend or family member, have you ever had a well-intentioned guest ask, "Was he/she saved? Did he/she know Jesus?"
I'm sorry if you've done that before...but a funeral (likely for someone you don't know well) is really not the right time or place for those questions.
In today's passage, Joab showed some wisdom with words. Take a look at this part of the passage:
Ahimaaz, Zadok's son, said,
"Let me run to the king and bring him the good news
that God has delivered him from his enemies."
But Joab said,
"You're not the one to deliver the good news today;
some other day, maybe, but it's not 'good news' today."
(This was because the king's son was dead.)
Joab showed wisdom and respect for the king's feelings. He knew that words, intention and context are important.
Tomorrow: 2 Samuel 19-21
No comments:
Post a Comment