Stop Being So Gushy!

Proverbs 15:28The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.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.Gotta love the NIV translation for this great word ‘gush’...it says, that the mouth of the wicked ‘gushes’ evil. What a word picture: a busted pipe where foul stuff just won’t stop flowing. Know anybody like that? Maybe you catch yourself like that some days? Alright get this—next time, look in the mirror and just tell yourself: “Stop being so gushy.” You’re gushing too much!📖 Wise People Study Their AnswersWhen you’re rooted in wisdom, you don’t just shoot off words to win the argument or clap back. You pause. You consider. You study your answers.Not because you’re trying to be “on brand” or please the crowd. But because you care about the soul on the receiving end.That hit me this week when I got replies to what I shared about Charlie Kirk. Some friends—conservative in their views—pushed back. I knew that would happen. And instead of going back and forth, I chose to take my time, and answer from my view with respect, while considering their position. My hope was to follow this wisdom principle.James Baldwin once said:We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist. I’m feeling that. I won’t sacrifice the image of God in another human to win an argument. Period. There is no point to prove in mutilating the imago Dei, because discovering the image of God within each other is the point.✂️ There’s a Time for Sharpness — But Let’s Be SurgicalSometimes words must cut. Prophetic correction, necessary rebuke, truth that snaps someone out of a lie: these all exist. But there is a difference between surgical truth and recklessly “gushing” out words that bring more harm. The wicked have no filter; they vomit. They ‘gush’. Wisdom asks: Is this corrective? Will it heal? Is it proportionate?Because if our words don’t carry both truth and love, then they’re not wise—they’re just noise.🎤 So Let me Say This:Words can wound. Words can heal. Wisdom always pauses to choose which one they’ll do.🙏🏽 PrayerLord, give me wisdom to weigh my words with love.💡 Today’s Challenge:Before you answer anyone today—breathe three deep counts. Ask: Is this true? Is it loving? Will it heal? Then speak.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. Get full access to Hey Fred Lynch! at heyfredlynch.substack.com/subscribe