Smooth as silk.

These are inflammatory times. Covid-19 is headline news. The factual data and the hype have us all guessing, arguing, and criticizing. The backdrop is equally disturbing---health uncertainty, a wildly fluctuating economy, many life necessity shortages, event postponements, closings and delays, and political drama, to mention a few. Emotions are on edge and communication is strained, especially on social media. The lure of clickbait is suddenly too delicious to resist. And, our words have power. Right now they're broadly destructive.

Solomon's practical, yet profoundly spiritual Proverbs have been a source of inspiration and conviction for me. People who know me well know my love for language. They are also aware that I'm usually a man of many words, not as asset in Solomon's estimation. As a result, this week I'll be sharing five convictions about my, and most likely our, use of words in times like these. Perhaps you'll find some guidance in these simple "words have power" observations this week as well.

Solomon wrote about about several categories of language we should avoid. With Divine inspiration and a great deal of common sense, he identified smooth, rash, harsh, and hasty words as being notably troubling. Each is depicted through vivid images from his own experiences that the people of his day would have easily understood. The final thought will contrast them all with the gracious words that should mark most of our interpersonal communication.

Smooth words were mentioned in several explicit, straight-forward references and a few others that were more veiled---

So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her

smooth words., who forsakes the companions of her youth and forgets the covenant of

her God.

Proverbs 2: 16, ESV

Say to wisdom, "You're my sister," and call insight your intimate friend, to keep you

from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words.

Proverbs 7: 5, ESV

In these instances Solomon was inspired to utilize the metaphor of an adulteress, the forbidden woman, when warning of being entrapped by smooth words. It is a reference to the one who lures us into sin. The temptation to sin is likened to the smooth, enticing words of an adulteress. The smooth words are attractive, alluring, and appealing verbal morsels with the capacity to charm and captivate us. We all know this smooth language because we've used it to get what we want in life. How many times did we use sweet talk to get what we wanted from our parents, friends, teachers? They're not always geared to draw others into some deep, dark sinful thoughts or actions. Smooth words are, however, very self-centered, and very persuasive. They help us move others to our desired outcomes. What is more, smooth words aren't necessarily falsehoods. In many instances they're just amplified or overstated truth, flattering expressions to win the favor of another. And, Solomon warned of flattering talk too---

A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:28, ESV

Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his

tongue.

Proverbs 28:23, ESV

A man who flatters hie neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

Proverbs 29:5, ESV

You mean compliments are off limits? Certainly not. A compliment is earnest respect or admiration for another person. Flattery, that is, smooth words, are deceptive and false. With all the verbal fireworks today we can expect flattery and smooth talk from the politicians, marketing geniuses, and people who want something from us, whether votes or money or some other favor. Smooth words are inappropriate, even when they are polished, refined, and as smooth as silk. We should not use them. Even more, we should never be enticed by them, however pleasing they may sound.

Leave the smooth words in that Roget's book on your shelf.

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Well done...

BIBLE VERSE FOR THOUGHT

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.

PROVERBS 3: 27, ESV

Americans are hard working people. According to statistical data gathered by the personal financial giant 20SomthingFinance America is the most overworked developed nation in the world. As many as 85.6% of American males and 66.5% of female workers spend more than forty hours on the job every week. American workers work 137 hours more annually than Japanese workers, 260 more hours than in Britain, and 499 more hours than their French counterparts. Average productivity of the American workforce had increased 400% since 1950. No wonder we're all tired. If you would like to read the report about our national work standards, click here.

Yes, we have a traditionally strong work ethic. You know, we're trying to make a living and provide for our families. And our higher standard of living keeps us on the clock more and more. Some of these employment situations are the fast-track leadership and management positions that move corporate America. There are benefits here---higher salaries, paid leave, corporate health insurance, retirement plans, golden parachutes, corner offices, exotic travel, and keys to the executive wash rooms. Many more, however, slug it out every day in the lower echelon jobs that keep the nuts and bolts of America connected and going. They may receive a turkey for Thanksgiving, a bonus at the end of a productive year, or a letter of appreciation from the CEO on employment anniversaries.

And, we work off the job too. Community activities, church ministry, Little League sports, and pages of other volunteer opportunities are also the beneficiaries of American work habits. Thousands of these are unheralded, labor intensive commitments requiring the best these tired workers can offer. One in a while, that is, rarely, they are recognized for their contributions to the common good. The Corporation for National Community Service estimates that 25.3% of Americans serve in some volunteer capacity, around 62.5 million Americans. They average 32.1 hours of volunteer service annually per person, a whopping 7.5 billion hours. They are not paid and rarely are complemented for a job well done.

Congratulating them and the millions of others fulfilling less visible aspirations, dreams, commitments, and callings would create in them a greater sense of purpose and having done something worthwhile for the nation. I cannot tell you the number of times I've seen the visible lift for someone recognized for their efforts, however small in the greater scheme of things. You know, job promotions, graduations, reaching a weight goal, becoming debt-free, purchasing a new home, making a spiritual decision, having a child, serving a meal, and so many other seemingly normal accomplishments. Recognizing the contributions of so many can create days of blessing and joy for them. And, often, it just takes a few words, like---well done.

Most of these selfless individuals aren't seeking fortune or fame in their efforts. Sure, some are building a resume in hope of bigger things. But, most are doing what is right because it is right. A simple word can make those efforts even more special, and help a family member or friend celebrate the joys and blessings of life. I think that's what Solomon had in mind when he wrote such common, yet profound spiritual sense in the Proverbs. God taught Solomon the dynamics of human relationships. He knew the power of words and how even small expressions of gratitude could build and influence a nation. In short, he said we should give recognition to the people who had earned it, especially when it is in our power to do so. That power is ours as neighbors, friends, work colleagues, family, shoppers, diners, and the people in the next pew.

Give it a try today. Express well done to the people who are serving around you.

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In God We Trust?

BIBLE VERSES FOR THOUGHT

You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Deuteronomy 11: 19, ESV

Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you.

Deuteronomy 32: 7, ESV

And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.

Judges 2: 10, ESV

The period of the Judges was a time of uncertainty and spiritual malaise for God's chosen people. After the outstanding leadership of Moses and Joshua they entered the promised land but failed to fulfill what God had commanded them. One, they didn't drive out the inhabitants of the land. And, two, they failed to teach their children God's law and the miraculous works of God during their forty years in the wilderness. The generation that followed them didn't know about the Red Sea, the manna in the dessert, the quail that God provided for food, or the rubrics of God's law. The new generations were ignorant of the mighty works of God that had brought them to the land God had promised their forefather Abraham.

Our father, Chester H. Holmes, Jr., affectionately known as The Chester in our family, was a very patriotic citizen. He grew up on the mill villages of Walhalla, South Carolina, and entered the United States Navy upon high school graduation. He served in the closing months of WWII aboard BB 64, The USS Wisconsin, an Iowa-class battleship. He and mother met while students at North Greenville College and I was born in his senior year at Furman University. He taught Mike, Christie, and I us to salute the United States flag, stand then the National Anthem was played, cover our heart when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and observe the national days of remembrance that had guided our nation from it's beginning. I remember on occasional Friday nights when we would be permitted to stay up late for a TV movie. All of the television stations in Greenville, SC, signed off at midnight in those days. The stations displayed a waving flag and sounded the National Anthem. He compelled us to stand and and place our hands over our hearts. It was, in his opinion, our duty as citizens.

We were taught to honor America on Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and other notable occasions of national significance so we would never forget the guidance of God in our national epoch or the people and signal events that brought us forward since 1776. . Observing and celebrating them today always raises a lump in my throat and deepest gratitude in my heart. To be a citizen of this great country with the freedoms of expression, worship, fair trial by jury, voting in elections, and the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness are among the blessings of being an American.

The Judges 2: 10 passage printed above was followed by a phrase that was repeated often in the Book of Judges---"And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord..." (Judges 2:11, ESV). It was the earmark of Israel when they did not teach the law, their history, or important national events to their children. It is why we should be people of the national days, the reminder that we are one nation under God, the nation distinguished by an official motto adopted by Congress in 1956: In God We Trust.

No, America is not perfect. Neither are our elected officials and leaders. We can certainly protest our grievances and register our opposition to policies we find offensive. So, write your Congressmen or Senators. Call your Mayor's office, or the Governor. But, please stand for the National Anthem and give tribute to our flag. Celebrate our remembrance days joyfully in 2020.

We are indeed blessed to be citizens of the United States of America. And, yes, for me it is In God We Trust, without the question mark.

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