Definition of plain is:
1.Not intricate or difficult; evident; manifest; obvious;
clear; unmistakable. "'T is a plain case." --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2.(a) Void of extraneous beauty or ornament; without
conspicious embellishment; not rich; simple.
(b) Not highly cultivated; unsophisticated; free from show
or pretension; simple; natural; homely; common. "Plain
yet pious Christians." --Hammond. "The plain people."
--A. Lincoln.
(c) Free from affectation or beings disguise; candid; sincere;
artless; honest; frank. "An honest mind, and plain."
--Shak.
meal·y-mouthed
mee-lee-moutht, -mouthd] Show IPA
adjective
avoiding the use of direct and plain language, as from timidity,excessive delicacy, or hypocrisy; inclined to mince words;insincere, devious, or compromising.
How do you like the definition of mealy-mouthed?
All of us need learn when we are being spoken to in a way that offends. Especially the offense of mealy-mouthed speaking. We are imperfect beings but we are expected to live up to standards that we are not truly capable of in and of ourselves. However that is no excuse for speaking half-truths or speaking in a manner just to please others when in fact we believe something very different. How many times have you heard difficult yet intricate speeches or just flowery words from someone that you really want to believe and so we give ourselves over to trusting that the person speaking is sincere and we give up our God-given cautions and believe. It happens every day in every home and every workplace. Words have value, but only as much as the integrity behind them! Our opinions have worth but only as much as we are able to understand what integrity really is. Opinions have to have a basis in which to measure their worth. If your opinions are based on false information or information that flatters instead of real truth then you have been misinformed and worse...lied to!!!!
I can't think of anything worse in a relationship than someone who only tells half-truths or hides information just to keep the peace or to hide their real intention. Why? Because it keeps us from being truly intimate.If we refuse to speak plainly it allows a fool to believe they are correct in their thinking! Jesus spoke plainly to the sinner and gave them reason to trust. He spoke plainly to the religious overly pious leaders of the day and let them know they lived a false faith. If the person we love as a friend or a spouse keeps information from us to keep from dealing with truth then we miss the opportunity to grow as friends or as a couple. Likewise if you refuse to speak plainly to those who are foolish in their thinking we leave them with the impression that we trust their words and manner of dealing with us.
Speak plain when you talk to those you care about or to those who are offensive to you. Plain speaking leaves no room for error or misquotes. Give them permission to speak plainly to you as well.
See you next blog,
Ted
I can't think of anything worse in a relationship than someone who only tells half-truths or hides information just to keep the peace or to hide their real intention. Why? Because it keeps us from being truly intimate.If we refuse to speak plainly it allows a fool to believe they are correct in their thinking! Jesus spoke plainly to the sinner and gave them reason to trust. He spoke plainly to the religious overly pious leaders of the day and let them know they lived a false faith. If the person we love as a friend or a spouse keeps information from us to keep from dealing with truth then we miss the opportunity to grow as friends or as a couple. Likewise if you refuse to speak plainly to those who are foolish in their thinking we leave them with the impression that we trust their words and manner of dealing with us.
Speak plain when you talk to those you care about or to those who are offensive to you. Plain speaking leaves no room for error or misquotes. Give them permission to speak plainly to you as well.
See you next blog,
Ted
Great thoughts Ted. Proverbs 27:6 says "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." I have to admit, sometimes it's hard to speak the truth to others because you know it will hurt them... sometimes it hurts to hear the truth.... however it's always the best way. Thank you for the reminder. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Laura. It is hard to say what you mean. Jesus did and I am sure it caused quite few, including his disciples, no less pain. Peter must have been shocked when he spoke of his defense of Jesus that Jesus rebuked him. And again being told he would deny Jesus three times after Peter swore he would stand by Jesus. There are those toxic individuals in our lives also who try to pull us back into the pit they just can't seem to get out of! We must declare our position on matters of importance.
ReplyDelete