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“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.” –– Proverbs 15:1-2
Perhaps you read the royal wedding notice of the Norwegian Princess marrying an “American self-styled shaman.” According the Oxford dictionary, a shaman is supposed to have access to, and influence in, the world of good and evil spirits. The groom, in this case, claims to communicate with “a broad range of spirits and has a medallion which helps ward off spells and cure diseases.” While such beliefs do not mesh with the tenets of the theology that claims my heart, I am in no position to draw easy conclusions about the assertions of the shaman.
However, what did raise an eyebrow was the notion of a self-styled shaman. I tend to attach less credence to characteristics that are claimed than characteristics that are observed. A person with a sense of humor wouldn’t feel the need to tell me he has a sense of humor. It should be evident in my observation of him. If it isn’t, just claiming it will not make him funny. You can tell me you are honest, but that doesn’t become known to me until I either witness it, or hear it affirmed by a trustworthy source. I can applaud the entrepreneurial spirit of the influencer, but it’s going to take more than their self-identification for me to have regard for their influence or to be personally influenced.
Similarly, I struggle with those who would self-identify as a genius or an expert. I may also be guilty of giving the side-eye when those with a Lamborghini ego are a little too eager to tell me they are honest, clairvoyant, diligent, loyal, ethical, or guiltless. These characteristics are not worn like clothing off the rack; they are attained by way of observed evidence. The statement –– I am compassionate –– holds little meaning, whereas the statement –– You are compassionate –– is far more credible. As the profound philosopher Eliza Doolittle sang –– Sing me no song! Read me no rhyme! Don’t waste my time, Show me!
A hurricane of campaign commercials has flash-flooded our brains with half-truths, unsubstantiated claims of character, empty promises, and unwarranted aspersions, all lending truth to the Proverb –– “The mouths of fools pour out folly.” Harsh words are certainly stirring up anger. Maybe such a time calls for noise-cancelling headphones, allowing us to hear softer, well-anchored voices of reason not tossed to and fro by the fierce winds of fear –– “The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge.”
Perhaps this season demands a new verse to Eliza’s protest. Don’t hide the truth that’s uncomfortable to hear. Don’t claim to love when you speak words of hate. Don’t say you will when we know that you won’t. Show me!
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