Walking with the Wise #269: Affecting a Generation

“Fine speech is not becoming to a fool;
still less is false speech to a prince.”
—Proverbs 17:7

Juxtaposed against the eloquent speech of a fool is the lying voice of a prince—neither of which is desirable. The fool, who is known by his foolish and idiotic behavior, possesses a form of speech that is not consistent with his lifestyle.

And the same could be said of the false speech of a prince—a leader should demonstrate honesty, integrity, and forthrightness. For a leader to lie to his people is worse than the fool’s fine speech, for many rely on his word and look to emulate his example. How many governments suffer from such a leader’s false speech? How many have been duped and lied to? And what does that do to a people? It causes anger, frustration, and powerlessness—not to mention the countless others who have chosen to follow in his deceptive footsteps! He has affected not only himself and those he leads, but also those of coming generations!

I can’t help but think of George Washington, the first president of the United States. He knew that whatever he did affected him and those under his care, but he also knew that what he did affected generations of Americans who would follow. Therefore, he was careful in his words and actions, always trying to do what was best for all people, making sure that he wasn’t ruling for himself, but for those who came after him—which is what made him so attractive. And, once in power, he did what perhaps only Cincinnatus had managed to do before him, he gave it up and walked away from it—setting the wheels in motion for leaders who would give up power rather than hold on to it. His decision to walk away from power is almost unprecedented in world history, and other governments bear the marks of leaders who did the polar opposite—who tried to hold on to power. And they too set the wheels in motion for generations to come, leaving a legacy of leaders who did whatever necessary (coercion, corruption, and murder) to keep it.

As Christians we are to set the example, as Paul admonished young Timothy to set the example to His flock, which in turn was to set the example to others: “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity”—1 Timothy 4:12. May our speech not be worldly, nor too spiritual beyond our own spirituality, but may it be in line with and edifying to those growing in godliness, who are endeavoring to follow the Savior who bought them with His blood. May we live the truth we profess, and may God use our true words to bring glory to His magnificent and holy name. Amen.