When We Learn!

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin. The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.  Proverbs 15:1-7 NIV

Though many may mock proverbs' lessons,
Wisdom arriving late is better than never.
Keeping thoughts focused on the task at-hand,
Reins in the tongue and zips the lips before they speak.

What fills our hearts from within--
Bigotry, hate, empathy, sympathy, love
Flowing from beneath or showering from above.

Better to be slow to speak
And quick to listen, getting the facts
And forgetting the fiction.
Understanding that once words flow through the air,
There's no going back, and all criticism is fair.

When we learn--that life is not just about us,
But the environment in which we  live
And those in whom we trust.

When we learn to exercise prudence and wisdom
In all we do, we'll set the table for peace and harmony,
Respecting all we meet and greet with no acrimony,
But heralding love--enduring and unconditional--
Receiving, enjoying all of God's best--mercy and grace
Not withering attacks from afar--and not in our face,
But remembering "The Golden Rule" from the first,
Treating others like we treat ourselves or better.

When we learn!