Joel M Bradshaw

14Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing.–Proverbs 27

Many of us live in this anti-social age where we might not even speak to our neighbors more than a “Hi” or a “How’s it going?” So the idea of saying anything good or bad in a loud voice at any time of day makes some of us cringe or simply shake our heads. If someone knocks on your door or rings your doorbell, are you excited or frustrated? How were you as a kid?

But there’s a principle to be learned here. The neighbor does not appreciate having him and his family woken up by your loud praise. Even if you are saying wonderful things that uplift, edify, encourage, you name it. You are doing it at an hour where the neighbor would really wish you were quiet. Being woken up extra early with praise won’t be considered a blessing.

The principle is this: YOU CAN DO SOMETHING GOOD, BUT STILL DO IT IN A BAD WAY. You can intend something for good, but the way you do it makes is received as bad. You can seek to be a blessing, but the way you go about it doesn’t end up blessing others.

HOW YOU DO SOMETHING IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT YOU DO.

We saw this illustrated in society and on social media. People would take a political stand on a matter, but did so in a way that intentionally divided or caused drama. Those words did not edify, encourage, or bring unity to an issue. Even if they felt their position was right, you could argue that they held that position in a wrong way.

This furthered social media tribalism and division. You’ve got to ask yourself about your positions. Even if they are morally or biblically correct, are you going about them with non-biblical attitudes?

Careful, you might just be waking up a neighbor early with praise.–JMB