Tuesday, February 27, 2024

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READ: Proverbs 14

A patient person shows great understanding,
but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness. Proverbs 14:29 (CSB)

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When I was in education we took some training on how indigenous culture impacts teaching in a classroom. For example, we learned that it is common when asking an elder a question for the elder to sit in silence for several minutes as they consider their answer.

Several minutes!

Given that the average time given by teachers for students to answer a question is less than five seconds, this kind of patient deliberation before providing an answer is a significant cultural clash. While an indigenous child may not wait several minutes to answer a question, if they have been mentored to deliberate before answering, they might be seen as slow.

I am pretty fast with words. My mentor told me early on in my marriage that I needed to be careful because I would likely win most arguments with Tara simply because I could.

But speaking fast and furious isn’t a sign of intelligence at all. I can spout off my perspective super-fast… that doesn’t make my perspective accurate or fair.

And when a quick-tongued person has a bit of anger to boot, it’s like cooking with octane as Mr. Dulder used to say in gym class.

I cannot imagine a more profound skill than patient deliberation followed by decisive action.

Take time today to think before you speak. But not mere seconds – take time.