Proverbs 25:15
By patience is a leader persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks down a man’s defenses.
This is a very interesting proverb that presents some highly contrasted thought patterns. Let’s take the first phrase and look at the first two key words, “patience” and “persuaded”. Certainly there are times when a sense of urgency is definitely needed. Some things simply cannot wait, and require immediate attention. Situations in life can slowly evolve into a very desperate situation that calls for courageous people to commit themselves to immediate action. However, the majority of the time, what is required is a slow steady hand.
When my kids were younger, they would many times come to me and demand something of me right then. It was during these circumstances that they tried to hurry me past some very important facts, because they knew that the knowledge of those facts would have dissuaded me from allowing them to participate in such an event or relationship. However, on the other hand I have always been willing to eagerly help and participate in the carefully thought out and long-term planned purposes upon which my children have engaged their time and energy throughout their lives. When I see that they have disciplined themselves to a daily pursuit of a worthy cause, there is not anything that I will not do for them to help them reach those goals!!
The next contrast is found in the phrase, “a soft tongue breaks…” There is an old saying that says, “The dog that bark loudest, bites the least.” Loud barking is most often an indication of fear and weakness; not courage and strength. The dog that we should fear most is the one that quietly comes upon us. A lion may roar from a distance to give you the warning. But when he finally leaps upon you...you will never know that he was ever anywhere close by!
When my kids were young, I made them a promise. I will let you know the rules. I will make sure you understand the rules. But when you break the rules, there will be no shouting. There will be no timeouts! There will be no second chances. You will simply quietly and quickly be disciplined. Because my kids learned that my soft words were always backed by faithful, powerful and swift action, they also learned to move quickly when I spoke softly.
Words bite the hardest when they are spoken in truth and backed with the greatest sense of love. There is great power in the soft words of powerful men; especially when they are wisely and properly conveyed. Nothing makes the largest mountains tremble greater than when they hear the soft words of a man who has relentlessly, patiently and faithfully pursued after his goals, knowing that nothing, or no one, will ever turn him away from them!