The Kindness of Candor

Hello friends, thanks for joining us for today's word of encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

The devotional writer for today is James Banks, and he's given us the reading titled, The Kindness of Candor. My dear friend, sometimes you sound holier than you really are. Those words were leveled with a direct gaze and a gentle smile. Had they come from someone other than a close friend and mentor whose discernment I highly valued, my feelings might have been hurt. Instead, I winced and laughed at the same time, knowing that while his words hit a nerve, he was also right.

Sometimes when I talked about my faith, I used jargon that didn't sound natural which gave the impression that I wasn't being sincere. My friend loved me and was trying to help me be more effective in sharing with others what I genuinely believed. Looking back, I see it as some of the best advice I ever received. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, Solomon wisely wrote, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Proverbs 27 verse 6. My friend's insights demonstrated the truth of that counsel. I was grateful he cared enough to tell me something I needed to hear, even though he knew it might not be easy to accept.

Sometimes when someone tells you only what they think you want to hear, it isn't helpful because it can keep you from growing and developing in vital ways. Candor can be kindness when measured out with genuine, humble love. May God give us the wisdom to receive it and impart it well, and so reflect his caring heart. Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Proverbs 27 verses 1 through 9. Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

Let someone else praise you and not your own mouth, an outsider and not your own lips. Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both. Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.

Like a bird that flees its nest is anyone who flees from home. Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice. Now let's pray. Father, thank you for speaking words of truth through faithful friends. While those words may sting, would you help us to remember that they are shared out of love and a desire to see us grow in Christ's likeness.

Please help us to receive and give advice well by relying on you to lead us. Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen. Thanks for listening today. My name is Wes Ward, and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.