Proverbs 13:15-17 (ESV)
15 Good sense wins favor,
but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.
16 In everything the prudent acts with knowledge,
but a fool flaunts his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a faithful envoy brings healing.
The one who hears and listens to wisdom gains favor with God and others. This person is spiritually attractive to those around her. In contrast, those who are disloyal will ultimately face rejection. The wise person is forward-thinking. She perceives what’s ahead and responds with caution. She doesn’t test the Lord by placing herself in compromising situations. The fool openly displays her lack of wisdom by her carelessness. The wicked messenger distorts the words of the one she represents, causing problems for the community. The faithful one brings peace when she communicates on behalf of those who sent her. Do you make your boss, your husband, or even the Lord look good to others? Or do you grumble about those in authority over you? How would you feel if everything you said yesterday were recorded and played back before those you represent? Would you be deemed a source of healing or a channel of destruction?