Have you known a person who test the wind, so to speak, before issuing an opinion? These people are nice if we are looking for confirmation, but if we are looking for guidance, they aren’t much help.

An agreeable word is always agreeable. A positive word is received positively. But a correcting word will be challenged. “You are wrong” or “it’s not the right time” or “the WAY you said it made it objectionable”. Telling people what they need to hear, if it is not what they want or like to hear, is a burden which many simply are not willing to undertake. Do you want to be liked by all? Tell them whatever they want to hear.

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” Proverbs 27:6

A preacher was often sought out for doing funerals because no matter who was being remembered, the message was always rosy whether the person was a saint or an impenitent mocker of God. This preacher could never say a discouraging word. He was always positive and agreeable. Mostly. I say mostly because there were the times he would save his scorn for if someone taught a hard, disagreeable, and “negative” message. He would never do that though he felt he was standing up for the truth. But truth is not always agreeable, “positive”, and easy to hear. A faithful person who loves your soul will be polite and kind, and he will also tell you the truth you do not want to hear.

“He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.” Pro. 28:23.

Jesus did not always say what people wanted to hear but He always told them what they needed to hear. Many of His disciples and would be disciples walked away because He spoke without compromise. Giving praise when an open rebuke is called for is not love.

A Christian shared the following story:

“I remember being at the funeral of a man that was known for lying so much that he was called “Lying Tom”! The preacher (denominational) stated, ” I’m sure Tom is up there now telling God lies”, like that was acceptable! As I got up to leave I was behind several people shaking their heads!”

What a mess of a preacher who would make a joke on something so serious! And the crowds just put up with it. God hates a lying tongue! See Proverbs 6:16. That little joke was entirely inappropriate. Nothing surprises me anymore.

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