You should have the idea by now that whereas narrative parts of the Bible might demand more attention in the whole picture and then seeing how each part fits into it, with Proverbs there’s enough to keep you going with a verse at a time. In this chapter of Proverbs there were a trio of thoughts that jumped out that was worth exploring in themselves.
Gifted for the Great
A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. (Proverbs 18:16)
For quite a long time I’ve worked with young people who are from backgrounds that have left them thinking all there is in life is to get some money and eek out a mediocre existence living from pay-day to pay-day. I’m a firm believer in that in creating us in His image and being reconnected by faith we discover what amazing gifts He has given us. It is a waste of a life not to discover that and go for a state of existence well below that.
I don’t believe the gift is everything, but it’s a significant part of the deal, it’s the distinct contribution along with the character that an individual makes on the planet. It’s easy to make a big deal of obvious gifts – the speaker, the singer, the writer, the producer, the cook, the actor, the actress and those others that have acclaim. Yet there are those background skills and gifts that are just as pivotal that in themselves when recognised can alert even the most illustrious dignitary to the person. Those gifts of organisation, housekeeping, maintenance, repair, construction which don’t get as much publicity are noted for the detrimental effect people feel when they are absent.
Now there are streams that will make a big deal of gifts as though all of life is surrounded behind the gift. This is a false commitment to make – for our world applauds the gifted but does little to reinforce and promote the character. Thus singers are lauded for their wonderful voice while their lives lurch from one personal crisis to another. The sportspeople are idolised for their prowess and achievement while their key relationships and overall behaviour leaves little to admire. Those involved in business or the arts are sought for their track record, but not for their personality or egotistic, obnoxious, ruthless attitude.
The room the gift makes and the audience it gives when reinforced with the character pursuing the wisdom of God makes sure that the whole package is desirable so that the excellence of the gift that is evident when we awaken ourselves to the Giver will be worth enjoying with a positive rather than tragic legacy.
The Considered Approach
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. (Proverbs 18:13)
The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. (Proverbs 18:17)
These two thoughts are inextricably linked because they resound a wise piece of advice. With an election coming up it is easy to take on board the populist view on any given topic, especially if it resonates with the gut reaction or makes us feel we’re on the know. What rarely happens though is the considered approach. How many times do we see conclusions reached on the basis of one point of view. Sure it appears compelling and convincing and how can there be anything to refute it. Yet it is often the smooth-talking, sweet-sounding appeal that on closer inspection shows serious flaws.
That’s why rather than the rash approach of jumping to conclusions, having an answer before hearing things out and avoiding the folly and shame that result from it, there is much merit in just taking time to have the considered approach. I remember being in a 
work scenario where a number of things were not making sense and I was tempted to act on what I knew at the time and take decisive action off my own back to get a resolution on the matter. On the surface that would appear to be the right thing to do. Thankfully, however, it was only as I took the time to consider the other perspectives on the issue, especially in talking it through with trusted counsel that a better approach emerged. Those moments to take the considered approach saved me heartache, grief, broken relationships and missing out on the benefits that came from that different tack. James would encourage us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. That’s why we have two ears and one mouth and to save us more heartache it pays to make sure that there’s more than enough time to check out what we hear, process them thoroughly before letting the wisdom of God lead us in the right way.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd
Life With CD 