Words spoken at the right time are like gold apples in a silver setting. Wise correction to an ear that listens is like a gold earring or jewelry of fine gold. — Proverbs 25:11-12
I think a good writing guideline is to use prepositional phrases judiciously. The writer of Proverbs (some think Solomon wrote many of them) followed this standard. He used two that were insightful.
“Words spoken at the right time…” What’s the right time to say something? It takes such things as insight, empathy, and perhaps courage.
“Wise correction to an ear that listens…” What does it take to listen? Vulnerability? Humility? Open-mindedness?
What’s been your experience with conversations that were pivotal or even life-changing? What other qualities are necessary for them to happen?
Today lift up a word of thanks for folks with whom you’ve had such times. Gold and silver will always be precious, but not as precious as those people.
Thank you, Greg.
Listening is hard. I’ve never been good at it but I’m still working on it. Thanks for reminding me.
Excellent
It seems to me that listening is losing out and instead many are fine with their opinions and are not going to change.