Mere Words: Proverbs 29:18-19

         Here, I would like to think through a pair of verses that are found in Proverbs 29:18-19. These verses have great thoughts to offer on the use of words in being a leader. They can be helpful, but need to be supported by a more varied leadership style. Not only so, but being a wise influencer of others requires one to think through both one's words and actions. Here is the passage:

18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
    but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.
19 Servants cannot be corrected by mere words;
    though they understand, they will not respond.

          Like earlier walks through Proverbs, these verses are being interpreted in light of each other, thematically, rather than because the author intended them to be so. They are held in isolation, but let us see what cross-pollinating these plants reveals to us.
          You may have heard the first part of verse 18 before: it tells us that we need to give a clear vision for others to follow. Otherwise, the lack of clear direction will lead several people to make up their own path; it is impossible to follow a lead that one does not understand. However, there is more to that verse: it also says that one is blessed if she follow's wisdom's instruction. Other translations say "keep the law". This means that there is more to being a good follower and a good leader than simply the correct use of words. The passage tells us that words, especially words of revelation, are important. However, if one doesn't have a religious compass to give guidance in the absence of other's clear direction, such as wisdom or the law, there is more to fear than lack of direction. We, as leaders, need to help people use their Christian compasses for themselves. Leaders make bad visions and plans all of the time. Just because there is order and obedience does not mean that the right words are being obeyed. This is what leads me to the next verse.
           In verse 19, we see that servants need more than just words in order to progress or change. Forgive me, but I will use the word "people" instead of "servant" from this point forward since I believe the wisdom of this parable is universal. Why do people not listen to words alone? I think a strong reason would be because the hearer of the words does not know if these are words they should follow. If you look at the servant as disobedient or stubborn, the passage could be read that the person is motivated by self-interest and laziness. However, it does not need to be so. It could also be a lack of trust in the adviser's words. This would naturally stem from a leader who only puts effort into crafting wise words. A true leader helps his followers explore the truth and is a companion on that journey. If we want them to sense our sense of direction, we need to include them in on the decision making and discernment process. This advice is for more than just ministers: Anyone seeking to grow and mature the people around them (which, by the way, should probably include you) needs to consider these insights.
          More verses that speak to this theme are Proverbs 10:19-20:

19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
    but the prudent hold their tongues.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
    but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

           and Proverbs 12:23:

23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,
    but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.

          Again, these verses emphasize that one cannot help others by simply multiplying his words. The passage from Proverbs 12 even adds onto this by saying that our words are limited, even if all of them are wise. It does not matter if we have all the knowledge and wisdom in the world. Funny enough, we need to speak into people's lives by listening to them and engaging them in dialogue. A lot of wisdom is dialectical, that is, gained through relationship and conversation rather than in teaching alone. The above verses, Proverbs 29:18a and Proverbs 10:19 tell us that there is much value added to people's lives through our tongues. However, this approach needs to be enriched through involvement in people's lives. Even punishment should not be done through a monologue: Good punishment involves the person being corrected in a conversation and, hopefully, is part of a larger dialogue that has been present before and will be present after the punishment. Although we don't assume our words are inerrant, our monologues about our opinions and how people should live their lives prove otherwise. Again, while these can be helpful, we also need to include our ears in the teaching process. We need to step off the soapbox and walk alongside the people we teach with an eye to the Word and an ear to the student. This can be known as mentoring, discipleship, or spiritual direction. Most Christians you engage in relationship with will have heard several sermons by now and not a few have read their share of books. There are plenty of good places where people can be monologued, many times to good effect. This is needed, but people's growth will be stunted if they are not allowed to wrestle with God for themselves. While this can be done alone, we, as mentors, disciplers, and spiritual directors provide a great service and boon to those who seek to know God better just by being present. By being a sounding board and by engaging the student with probing questions, we can foster and mature the seeking process.
Peace of Christ to you,
Simeon Snow