The Plumbline

Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up.  (Proverbs 12:25) Yesterday, we considered the value of a well-spoken word.  Today, we look at another "relationship" issue - worry.  What does worry have to do with relationship?  Glad you asked!  Worry must be understood in order to see the impact it has on us - both in our relationship with God and in relationship with others. Worry can be defined as those things (thoughts, attitudes, actions) that choke or strangle us - consuming our energy, choking the "life" out of our relationships.  Worry impacts relationships because it is a behavior that "takes away from" the relationship - because our attention, thoughts, and activities are directed toward whatever it is we are worrying over.   An old-fashion definition of worry was to touch or bother something repeatedly.  The idea of "bothering" or "repeatedly revisiting" something impacts relationships   because what we have a tendency ...

14  Well-spoken words bring satisfaction;    well-done work has its own reward.  (Proverbs 12:14) There is great frustration in communication that does not accomplish its purpose.  It is like talking to the air, receiving no acknowledgement of what is said, no indication that anyone listened at all.  Our writer reminds us that well-spoken words bring satisfaction - the words spoken in the right season, with the right intention, in the right spirit - these are the words that accomplish their purpose. Yet, there is not always a clear indication that these words, though spoken well, have accomplished anything - because the revelation of what has been accomplished in the speaking of those words may be delayed until a different season. I have been guilty of speaking all that I think - without thinking through all that I speak!  It is a tendency for us to do this in the heat of emotion - whenever we are carried away by the moment.  Sometimes, it...