Bluffing

Chuckle: A speeding driver was pulled over. The driver asked, “Why was I pulled over when I wasn’t the only one speeding?” The policeman replied, “Have you ever been fishing?” “Yes,” answered the motorist. “And have you ever caught all the fish?”

Quote: “. . . They always talk who never think.” --Matthew Prior

BLUFFING

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, . .“ (James 1:19b NIV). “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” (Proverbs 10:19 NIV).

Have you ever tried to bluff your way through a conversation by talking in an attempt to hide your ignorance about the subject. Pride is a terrible, powerful, and destructive force within us. Pride tells us it is a sign of weakness to admit we are wrong or less informed than someone else. Have you ever come to the conclusion that you were wrong about something, but you kept on arguing your position anyway. I’m reminded of a saying I heard as a young boy: “You would argue with a road sign and then take the wrong road.” When we try to bluff our way through an embarrassing situation by talking rather than listening, we are certain to lose credibility and feel shame, guilt, and regret in the long run.

Because of pride, we feel compelled to look better and more important than someone else. Confessing ignorance is difficult for the proud person; but real strength is displayed when we swallow or pride, listen carefully, and confess that we don’t have all the answers. Constant, meaningless, thoughtless, and offensive chatter may be an effort to hide a lack of ability, knowledge, or confidence. The following should teach each of us a valuable lesson:

Once, while crossing the Atlantic, an editor was approached by a fellow passenger. “I just wanted to tell you” the man said, and it was obvious he was speaking with considerable emotion, “how deeply I appreciated your message.”

Now, the editor could not recall the occasion for any message; in fact he could not even place the man who seemed so grateful. But rather than admit he was at a loss, he said rather grandly: “Oh, that’s all right. I was glad for the opportunity to send it.”

Naturally, he was puzzled when the other man turned absolutely white and left abruptly without another word.

On making discreet inquiries, the old editor confessed, “I learned that I knew the man, indeed, and that the message I had been ‘so glad to send’ him had been one of condolence on the recent death of his wife!” --Sidney Shalett

We can avoid all such blunders and embarrassments by being quick to listen and slow to speak -- by thinking first and speaking only after we understand what the other person is saying and have carefully considered the impact of our words on the other person.

Love, Jerry & Dotse