“Precise communication brings clarity and minimizes misunderstandings and confusion.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 30, 2022
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26
Precise communication brings clarity and minimizes misunderstandings and confusion. It’s easy for familiar relationships to become lazy in daily dialogue. Mumbling under our breath, grumbling out loud, or in general just not speaking clearly, easily frustrates another person. My wife, Rita, and I have tried over the years to give each other the gift of walking into the room where the other person is standing or sitting and approach within a few feet, saying, “Sweetie, I was just thinking about our calendar this week. It seems like we have too much packed in…there is no margin for interruptions. What can we remove and add time to rest, reflect and regroup?” When we take the time to connect with one another in conversation, our heads and heart follow.
This verse in Proverbs describes a wise woman who gives words of life and helpful instruction. What is her secret? We learn from the preceding verses that she is a woman of intentionality who is able to balance work outside the home with work inside the home. No doubt being a precise communicator contributed to the health of her family and business relationships. Because her calendar was full, she made sure her time was scheduled for the essentials and not the non-essentials. How? Well, we know she feared the Lord, so prayer was a vital part of her routine. Clarity from above gave her clarity below in her everyday activities. God gave her wisdom and clear instructions in her speech, and as a result, everyone around her had confidence in her.
“Her husband has full confidence in her…Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (Proverbs 31:11, 28).
What can we learn about precision in our communication from this wise and faithful woman? One big idea is how she leveraged her extremely complicated and active work and home responsibilities to be intentional in her organization and communication skills. Precise speech avoids words like always, never, or all the time. When we are specific with our words, we show love and respect to the other person. Humble conversations also speak of taking responsibility with “I” phrases, in the place of “you.” For example, say, “I want to clarify how I can best support you with the children this week.” versus, “You never have a plan for the kid’s activities.” Precise communication percolates in prayer and is skillful and helpful.
Precise communication is also able to process negative emotions and preclude pain from angrily lashing out or building up hurtful resentment that refuses to speak up. When upset or hurt pray for peace…focused on Christ’s love for both of you, and while unhurried say, “I’m disappointed you worked late again,” instead of, “You don’t care about me or the children, only work!” Learn the skill of precise communication by slowing down, being self-aware of what triggers you, and as you pray carefully putting into words how you can humbly take responsibility, as you listen with empathy and speak in love. Precise words of love and grace heal and grow relationships.
“Reckless speech is like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18, TLV).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may the words of my mouth be pleasing and acceptable to you my Lord, through Christ’s love, and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Consider a study like Emotional Fitness or Emotionally Healthy Spirituality to process with a small group of Jesus’ followers.
Related Reading
Psalm 141:3; Proverbs 15:1-4; Matthew 15:11; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6
Worship Resource
Fernando Ortega: Let The Words Of My Mouth
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