Proverbs 11:12Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.Proverbs Daily is a reader-supported publication. All posts are free, but all donations help spread the message. When you see the word “upgrade,” you’re simply invited to help me make the sacred positively contagious...thank you in advance for becoming a free or paid subscriber.“I ain’t gonna hold ya…” That’s what folks say these days before they drop a bomb on ya and hold you like they said they wasn’t gonna do! Na, really it’s the remixed version of, “I’m not gonna hold you up” And usually, what comes next…is something that holds you up, or holds space in your head longer than you wanted...But look how this Proverb talks about ‘holding’ It says the wise ones actually do hold something — they hold their tongue.🗣 Hold-Up-Wait….See, some of us don’t hold others with love; we “hold people” hostage with our pettiness, our ‘misery looking for company’ type opinions, our unprocessed narratives. We haven’t examined our own hearts, so we keep spilling emotional bruhaha — (that’s right, I said bruhaha — I just like that word bruh-ha-ha) And that constant spill over reveals something deeper: a lack of sensitivity.The verse says, “Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense.” I read that as ‘no sensitivity’. If I touch a hot stove and feel nothing, it’s not a sign of super strength — it’s nerve damage.Same with our words. When we can tear people down and not feel any guilt, we’re not bold — we’re burned…seared with a hot iron (see 1 Timothy 4:2)💔 Losing SensitivityJesus said in Matthew 5:22,“Anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ meaning ‘worthless,’ is in danger of the fire of hell.”In other words, you don’t have to throw hands to throw away somebody’s worth. From Wisdom’s perspective, you can do just as much damage with words.When we deride, dismiss, or devalue others, we reveal how numb we’ve become to human dignity.💡 The Understanding SideBut the second half of the verse? That’s O’ that’s that Texas Hold’ Em I was talking about: “The one who has understanding holds their tongue.” That’s not cowardice — that’s character. It takes understanding to pause before you post, to stay silent when slander would feel good.That’s power under control. That’s sensitivity in real-time. I ain’t gone’ hold ya: That’s something…you can do💥 RememberThe tongue that holds back speaks louder in Heaven than one that runs wild.🙏🏽PrayerLord, give me strength and sensitivity to hold my peace.Today’s ChallengeWhen you feel like venting, hold it. Pause. Pray. Ask, “Am I healing or harming with what I’m about to say?” Then let wisdom do the talking — even if you stay silent.About the AuthorFred Lynch is a creative communicator, author, and Christian Hip Hop pioneer. To learn more about Fred and what he’s up to now…click here or you can find him in all the socials by searching the handle: heyfredlynch📱Experience Proverbs Daily by Subscribing!Ready to receive daily wisdom directly on your phone?Go to proverbsdaily.org for the app or just click that Subscribe button right now!Be Wise and Be Well...peace.Thanks for reading Proverbs Daily! This post is public so feel free to share it.
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