Proverbs 9:4 [ESV] “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says,
Sometimes there is a need for a difficult conversation, something that is going to either be hard to say, or hard to hear – or both. In those moments my first thought is to check my own heart – what’s my motive?
Unless it’s from a genuine concern for the other person I’m not going to speak – so that often means making time and space to bring myself into the space where my genuine motive is a concern for another – and not frustration, anger, or some selfish motive.
Even then, I will ask permission, something along the lines of – “hey, would you mind if we have a chat and if I say something that you might find hard to hear?” In my experience most people are curious and will say “Yes. Of course”.
That’s no guarantee of the conversation going well though. Before I start, I consider what I don’t want to happen, as much as what I would like out of the conversation – so I go in with care and some boundaries. I’m not willing to cross some lines, for instance, where my core values may be troubled.
In my experience when this is done well, and with the right heart, whether I am on the giving or receiving end, there is the best opportunity for a good and healthy outcome.
KNOWLEDGE
There are times when turning away from something is the wisest choice. However, turning towards wisdom is always the right move. Proverbs is calling us to turn towards the voice of wisdom. If we have a need of courage, of insight, of understanding, and of course, of wisdom – the verb – them there is a voice calling to us from the heights – and we can turn towards that voice with all we have and find safety, peace, wisdom and strength each day.
UNDERSTANDING
Let’s pick one word from this verse to look closer at and see if that can help us gain a deeper insight into how God would love us to live?
The word used for “turn in” is pronounced as “sur” in Hebrew, and carries the meaning of “to turn away; depart; leave; to be rejected; to turn aside”.
The LXX uses εκκλινάτω [ekklinato] – to turn aside. In the New Testament the most common application is ἐκκλίνω [ekklino] – to turn away, to avoid, to shun. Rom 3:12 and 1 Peter 3:11 are examples.
WISDOM
What is the voice I most easily listen to each day?
STRENGTHS THOUGHT: Input is a glorious Gallup Strength, and when tuned into the right resources can bring transformation across individuals, families and communities. Having the right information and understanding at the right time, and in the right place is critical.
Allan’s Unauthorised Version – Whoever is easily deceived or persuaded, let him turn away and get rid of here. To him lacking or wanting for courage and understanding she speaks.
Whoever is simple – whoever is easily deceived or persuaded
let him turn in here – let him turn away, and get rid of here.
To him who lacks – To him who is lacking or wanting
sense – courage and understanding
she says – she speaks
PRAYER: Father, thank you for today. Help me to be open to your leading and to be tuned into the wisdom that only comes from you today.
To chat to me as a professional coach/mentor – allan@theallankey.com
I so love feedback – please do scroll down and use a few moments to bless me?