Wisdom in an Age of Political Insults

Welcome to Through the Lens of Eternity.Wisdom in an Age of Political InsultsThis is a space where we slow down and lift our eyes, where we take a moment to reflect on what is happening in our world and ask two simple but important questions, what does Scripture say, and how are followers of Jesus called to respond.In the last couple of days, a comment made thousands of miles away rippled across the UK political conversation.President Donald Trump publicly described Prime Minister Keir Starmer as stupid and weak over the decision to give up control of the island of Diego Garcia.Whatever you think about the politics, the personalities, or the policy, the moment raises a deeper question.Should leaders of the so called free world speak to one another like this, or is there a better way?As Christians, especially those trying to live with one eye on eternity, we are invited to slow down and ask not just whether something is effective, but whether it is wise.The Bible has a great deal to say about power, leadership, and especially about words. And nowhere is that wisdom more concentrated than in the book of Proverbs.Proverbs 12:18 says, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”That verse gives us two kinds of speech. One wounds, the other heals. One leaves scars, the other brings restoration. Reckless words might sound strong in the moment, but Scripture compares them to sword thrusts. They cut deep and often leave lasting damage.When leaders insult publicly, they may score points with supporters, but Proverbs would ask a different question. Who is being healed by this, and who is being wounded.Proverbs 15:1 takes it further. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”This is not a verse about weakness. It is about cause and effect. Harsh words do not calm situations, they inflame them. Leaders do not just express emotion, they set it. Their tone shapes the temperature of nations.In our age, outrage is often mistaken for courage. Loudness is confused with leadership. But Scripture consistently flips that assumption on its head.Proverbs 20:3 says, “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”Avoiding strife is not cowardice. According to the Bible, it is honour. The person who rushes into verbal conflict is not brave, they are unwise.This does not mean leaders should never be challenged. The Bible is full of moments where kings were confronted and power was questioned. But there is a profound difference between confrontation that seeks truth and mockery that seeks dominance.Proverbs 22:10 puts it bluntly. “Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife, quarrels and insults are ended.”Mockery is not harmless. It is presented as fuel for conflict. When mockery enters a conversation, peace exits it.And then there is Proverbs 29:8. “Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.”That verse feels almost prophetic for our time. Mockery does not just damage relationships, it destabilises communities. Wisdom, on the other hand, de escalates. It creates space for clarity, not chaos.When we look at Jesus, we see this wisdom embodied. He never avoided truth. He challenged religious leaders, exposed hypocrisy, and confronted injustice. But He did not rely on name calling or humiliation to do it.Jesus spoke with authority without contempt. He was firm without being cruel. His strength was rooted in truth, not in tearing others down.For Christians, that matters deeply. Because we are not just observers of political culture, we are participants in it. The way leaders speak gives permission for how citizens speak. And the way Christians speak should always point to a different kingdom.Proverbs 21:23 says, “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”Words are never neutral. Especially when spoken from positions of influence. They build worlds or burn bridges. They shape futures or scar them.So when leaders of powerful nations publicly insult one another, eternity invites us to pause. Not to rush to defend or attack, but to ask, what spirit is at work here. Is this wisdom that leads to peace, or recklessness that multiplies division.And then the harder question. How do we speak about those we disagree with. Online. In conversations. In our own homes. In church. In our own homesIn a world addicted to outrage, God calls His people to be shaped by wisdom. To speak truth without mockery. To challenge power without contempt. And to remember that the loudest voice is rarely the wisest one.Because in the end, history may remember the insults. But eternity weighs the words.Lord God,You are the source of all wisdom, and You see far beyond the noise of our moment.We bring before You the leaders of our nations.Those with power, influence, and voices that shape the lives of millions.Grant them wisdom that is not driven by pride, fear, or the need to win, but by truth, justice, and humility.May our lives, our speech, and our witness point not to ourselves,But to Your kingdom,A kingdom of truth, peace, and love.In the name of Jesus,Amen.Scripture ReferencesProverbs 12:18Proverbs 15:1Proverbs 20:3Proverbs 21:23Proverbs 22:10Proverbs 29:8James 1:19 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit benorris1977.substack.com