HEARTY COUNSEL!

HEARTY COUNSEL!

Prov 27:9

9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

Prov 27:17

17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

          The word “hearty,” in verse 9, is the Hebrew word nephesh and literally means “a breathing creature.” The idea is that this hearty counsel is alive, vibrant and timely. The word “countenance” is a word that simply means “face” and that makes it personal. Whatever our calling may be, we all, from time to time, need lively advice from the face of a true friend.

          Caution should be used in both the giving and receiving of hearty counsel. If the recipient is suffering pain, he might not be willing to receive advice even if that advice is exactly what he needs. His pain colors his responses. Giving medical treatment to wounded animals is risky. Try to remember that the advice you give may irritate tender wounds which will temporarily cause even greater pain. Verse 6 reminds us that “faithful are the wounds of a friend.” James C. Dobson once said: “The right to criticize must be earned, even if the advice is constructive in nature.”

          Christ made no promise that those who followed him in his plan of re-establishing life on its proper basic principles would enjoy a special immunity from pain and sorrow-nor did he himself experience such immunity. He did, however; promise enough joy and courage, enough love and confidence in God to enable those who went his way to do far more than survive. J. B. Phillips (1906-1982)

Prov 16:21-24

21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Dear Lord, let me give advice gently and truthfully. Let me receive advice graciously even when it causes me pain. Amen