I find myself amazed every day with how our National leadership is engaging with a “war of words” on the international stage. I don’t think that is useful or productive.
I learned many years ago that two things happen when you wrestle with pigs: you get dirty and the pig enjoys it. Unfortunately that is what is happening now in our dialogue with the North Korean leadership. We are knee deep in the muck wrestling with him.
Our National leaders must show restraint in how they respond to his bellicose statements. We must “rise above the fray”. We must be careful with our words. Words matter, and have serious consequences.
Just because he makes some silly statement doesn’t mean that we have to respond kind. As always, we should consider the source prior to responding.
I have also learned that the higher up you go in an organizations the more carefully you must choose your words. Everything you say is analyzed and dissected. Ben Franklin said it best “It is better to be quiet and be thought a fool, than to speak up and remove all doubt.”
The Bible also is full of thoughts and ideas about the importance of being careful what we say. God tells us in Proverbs 17:27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint and whoever has understanding is even tempered
I try to always remember what is found in James 1:19 Know this my beloved brothers let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. I don’t always do it. Sometimes I don’t listen well. Sometimes I blurt out things that I later regret. Sometimes I get angry quickly. But…..I do know that I try to do better everyday. As I have always said, if you are screwed up and you know it you are better off than if you are screwed up and you don’t know it.
Proverbs 21:23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. That what our National leadership should be doing these days. Think first, then speak.