The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Proberbs 16:21-25, “The wise in heart will be called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the discipline of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

. Do you remember the two women who came to King Solomon in the early days of his reign? Each was the mother of a newly born child. One child had died during the night, but both women contended that the live child was her own. Solomon listened intently and called for a sword. He pretended that he would simply divide the child into two parts and give each mother one part. One of the women said, “Yes! Divide the child between us!” The other said, “No! Give the child to the other woman, but don’t take it’s life.” The harshness of the first woman demonstrated that what she wanted was her way. She had no concern for the life of the child. In this instance, Solomon demonstrated the wisdom of his heart (ref. 1 Kings 3:16f).

Life is meaningful to one with understanding. Fools know nothing of true discipline. The wise in heart speak with love and persuasion, just as the child’s true mother did when she stood before Solomon. The king’s words were sweet to the soul of the true mother, much like honey and its comb are to one’s taste buds. There’s an old saying that says, “You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.”

Quiet, thoughtful speech originates from a mind that is not cluttered with selfishness. Such quietness and openness gives opportunity for the Holy Spirit to fill it with the sweetness of the LORD. Preoccupation with the view to persuasion often floods the mind, leaving no room for the way of the Spirit. The Spirit fills us with the teachings of the LORD. All other teachings lead us in “the way of death.” His teachings lead to life everlasting!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom