The book of Proverbs talks a lot about wise and foolish people. And it is clear that we want to be counted among the wise. The tricky part is many of us think we are acting wise, when we are actually acting foolish. We can really head fake ourselves!
Look through the list below and think about how you communicate with and relate to the people around you. Think about your actions up until this point.
We all make excuses for why we act the way we do (me included), and why we have become who we have become. But let’s have the courage to look ourselves full in the face, take responsibility, and make the necessary changes to become the people we know we need to be!
The wise person:
1. listens without becoming defensive
2. has an open spirit and is teachable
3. accepts responsibility and doesn’t blame others for their problems
4. changes without delay
The foolish person:
1. doesn’t listen and becomes defensive quickly
2. does not learn from others and is not teachable
3. doesn’t accept responsibility and quickly blames others for their problems
4. doesn’t change
“Who seeks for heaven alone to save his soul, may keep the path, but will not reach the goal; while he who walks in love may wander far, yet God will bring him where the blessed are.” ~Henry van Dyke
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These are definitely print-able and post-able reminders.
Jody,
Yes very print-able and post-able and journal-able 😉 that is where mine ended up! Hope you are well! Miss you guys!
Excellent breakdown of the difference between the two Claudia. All I can say is I’m working on it!
Here here Ann! 😉
Good post Claudia! I think the #1s are the toughest for me. It’s hard to sit there and be quiet while getting questioned or even berated. Sometimes we just need to let the other person talk.
Ellory,
Yes getting berated would be hard for anyone and I don’t think it is a helpful for anyone either!
I try to focus on understanding where the person is coming from when they are questioning me or my actions, rather than immediately going on the defense. I find if I approach a conversation with confidence but humility and willingness to be open to another persons opinion it calms the tension down and usually, if both parties feel heard, berating can be avoided. This usually leads to a REAL conversation with openness and honesty. I think that is what we all want!
Kudos to you for wanting to improve in this area!
Sadly, I’m a mix of both. I struggle with controlling my defenses. Someone comes at me, I want to put up a front to guard myself.
Yeah Joe, I hear ya!
Love that you are aware enough to recognize it! And I have no doubt you are learning healthy ways to change where you need to.
Joy to you!