Without Bracing

1 Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A person’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. Ecclesiastes 8:1

I once believed being a good leader meant always having a quick answer. I used to jump to defend myself as soon as someone questioned me. If people let me down, I assumed they didn't care. If a conversation didn't end in full agreement, I couldn't let it go until I found the right words to win them over. Lately, I’m trying to pause and stay receptive instead of immediately pushing back.

The Teacher says wisdom shows on a person’s face. It brings light and softens a stern look. It makes me wonder where I’ve confused hardness with faithfulness.

Gentleness doesn't make a conviction less true. I can still speak plainly without making someone else carry the weight of my need to win. Jesus never confused gentleness with uncertainty about the truth.

I want Jesus to change that in me.

Can someone ask me a question without me getting defensive immediately? Am I becoming the kind of person people can talk to without bracing themselves?

I don't always need to walk away feeling I got my point across. Most of the time, I just need to listen.

Father, make me wise. Show me where I’ve confused hardness with faithfulness. Teach me to speak truthfully and listen patiently, even when the conversation doesn’t end the way I hoped.