July 26, 2022
Daily Devotion:
"Speak the Truth in Love... "
Proverbs 29:12
New International Version
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.
Today's proverb concisely states how evil is introduced when a king, CEO, politician, president, or church leader surrounds himself with "yes-men." When a leader prefers a glowing image over dubious reality, those who wish his favor must go along with the game. In time their pretense can no longer be justified as love covering a multitude of sins or well-intentioned naiveté. Eventually some honest soul will blow the whistle on the entire farce. While many proverbs counsel the wisdom of having advisors, the unstated assumption is that those advisors will speak honestly and courageously. As many imprisoned leaders have realized too late, uncritical support for unethical conduct is not the hall-mark of a loyal staff, but is an act of betrayal. Want to do your bosses-and yourself-a favor? Speak the truth in love, even if they are so self-deceived they prefer to hear lies.
The compelling question is: Am I willing to speak the truth, no matter the risk of devastating consequences?
