How wise and tactful are you in relating to people?

by Rev. Jack Richards on July 01, 2022

SEARCHLIGHT 

 How wise and tactful are you in relating to people? 

SCRIPTURE 

SO THE DECREE WAS ISSUED TO PUT THE WISE MEN TO DEATH, AND MEN WERE SENT TO LOOK FOR DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS TO PUT THEM TO DEATH. WHEN ARIOCH, THE COMMANDER OF THE KING’S GUARD, HAD GONE OUT TO PUT TO DEATH THE WISE MEN OF BABYLON, DANIEL SPOKE TO HIM WITH WISDOM AND TACT. (Daniel 2:13,14.) NIV 

SPOTLIGHT 

A meek little man was eating in a restaurant when he noticed something strange. He touched the arm of a man who was putting on an overcoat and said, “Excuse me, but would you happen to be Mr. Smith of Newport?” The other man impatiently answered, “No, I’m not!” The timid little man stammered, “Oh, well, you see, I am and that is his overcoat you are putting on.” The little man had just displayed true wisdom and tactfulness. 

 How well do you handle awkward, or even combative situations with people? Are you quick to jump to conclusions, or say things you later regret? Do you unite, or divide people? You need to seek God for a personality that is wise and tactful. In our Scripture text above, Daniel, who had a close, personal relationship with God, was both wise and tactful. We know this because of his commitment to God and his prayer life. He never lived a day without communing with His Creator.  

 King Nebuchadnezzar had called for a mass execution of all of his counselors because the Chaldean team could not identify, or interpret a dream he had. Daniel and his three friends, who were immigrant rookie counselors, had not been summoned by the King to solve the dilemma. Soldiers were sent out to gather up all those who were considered wise men in order to be put to death. When Daniel was about to be arrested, he was wise and tactful. Instead of arguing, giving a lengthy lecture on unfairness, asking an involved question, or resisting arrest, Daniel simply asked, “Why?” There is so much we can learn from that reply.  

 Wisdom knows what to say. God makes clear what you should do. Tact knows how to say it. God makes it clear how to do it. Wisdom knows why to say something. Tact knows when to say it. Wisdom comes from God. Tact comes from the Holy Spirit, producing in you, the Fruit of the Spirit.  

 Wisdom asks questions when statements could be made. They are direct, honest and innocent. The questions do not hedge, avoid, assume, or confuse the issue. On the other hand, “Tact is that ability to be brief, politely…to be aggressive, smilingly…to be emphatic, pleasantly…to be positive, diplomatically…and to be right, graciously.” [Pocket Quips, Pg. 137.] 

 You may have a form of wisdom which is the result of reasoning. It is due to your intelligence. You think before you speak. That is so good, but do you have Godly wisdom? Daniel’s wisdom and tact were the highest, and the best, because they were given by God. Warren Wiersbe said, “Man’s wisdom comes from reason. God’s wisdom comes from revelation.” Do you have a personal, ongoing relationship with God as Daniel did? 

 YOUR NEED FOR WISDOM AND TACTFULNESS is daily. This is why you need to fear God to become wise. This is where Godly wisdom comes from. Psalm 111:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.”                                        [See Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10.] Then live a life of continually asking God for wisdom. James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” God freely gives wisdom, [Proverbs 2:6,] when you are teachable, [Psalms 90:12,] open to advice, [Proverbs 13:10,] and meditate in God’s presence. [Psalm 49:3.] If you had a Godly mother, be grateful, because you had a head start. The Bible says you were given Godly wisdom while your mother carried you in her womb.[Psalm 51:6.]  

 SOMETHING TO DO 

The world needs wise people who are tactful, not wise guys who are tacky. Check out the Scriptures in the above paragraph. Make a plan in order to become a wise, tactful person. 

SOUL TIME PRAYER 

You have created me Heavenly Father, and You have all wisdom. I would ask You to bless me with wisdom and tactfulness. I choose to talk and walk with You daily, so that I might reap the blessing of wisdom and tact, which I know You will bountifully give to me as I seek You. AMEN!  

Tags: wisdom, god, old testament, relationship, wise, people, tact, tactful


Previous Page