Is "Sound Judgment" An Archaic Expression?

My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. Proverbs 3:21-26 NIV

As some of us get older, we appreciate hearing those who loved The Lord who were much older than we once were, praying for God to keep their minds. In Paul's letter to Timothy, we are reminded that  
God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of love, and a sound mind--capable of thinking rationally and logically. Have we forgotten what that means?

Having sound judgment (backed with knowledge and understanding) means we are to slow to speak--we think before speaking, analyzing what we want to say and being mindful that what we say, once spoken, cannot be retrieved. Impulsive people--those who speak without thinking--are always back-peddling, trying to explain and every explanation makes what was said, more muddled and confused.

Though there are many things we could add to a list of viable attributes for a presidential candidate, I think the most important one would be--having a sound mind--an ability to exercise sound judgment--thinking before speaking--analyzing what they want to say and mindful of how people will interpret what is being said. Having knowledge of how government works is always a plus, but if a person has sound judgment, they can hire the ones who know more than they know.  Without sound judgment--a cabinet of fools is bound to be the outcome--leaving us all in a precarious situation.

That's for politics--and the same is true for our everyday lives. We must exercise wisdom in all we do, if we're to know peace--in our homes and in our communities. Reacting to situations rather than responding ignites a powder keg of tumultuous feelings that can only end up causing confusion and animosity.

So, today--and this is not a joke or prank, acknowledging the traditional trend on April 1st, this is a plea for all who know and love The Lord to exercise sound judgment in everything and especially when considering a candidate for president in November. Remember, not being a politician or being one is not an acceptable excuse for being foolish. Wisdom, Lord, Wisdom!