Aphorisms

Aphorisms are short, neatly expressed general truths, such as “Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.” (Proverbs 25:15, The Message) 

My October blogs were focused on communication. For my final blog this month, I’m sharing some aphorisms about communication from the book of Proverbs. 

Proverbs is one of my favorite books of the Bible. Its practical advice, when taken to heart, can help all of us become better communicators.

“Don’t jump to conclusions—there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.” (Proverbs 25:8, The Message)

Jumping to conclusions before we know the full story leads to all kinds of assumptions. If we want clarification, we can speak directly to the person about the situation, or simply let it go. Not everything is our business. “Tend to your own knitting,” as one of my neighbors used to say.

“Timely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket.” (Proverbs 25:11, The Living Bible Paraphrased)

Giving timely advice requires patient listening and careful judgment. We’ve all got advice to give, but unless it is given at just the right time, it won’t be like golden apples sitting in a silver basket. 

“Telling lies about someone is as harmful as hitting him with an axe, or wounding him with a sword, or shooting him with a sharp arrow.” (Proverbs 25:18, The Living Bible Paraphrased)

I cannot control what others say about me, but I can control what I say about others. Telling tall tales, untruths, and fabricated stories about others harms them as much as a slug in the gut. 

“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” (Proverbs 18:21, The Message)

Our words are powerful. They can build someone up or tear them down, encourage or discourage, cause harm or bring healing. Once we say something, we can’t unsay it. Our words have consequences. 

Why Bother?

Why bother with aphorisms? Remembering short, neatly expressed general truths from a book such as Proverbs, when taken to heart, can help all of us become better communicators.