Cracked Pot, Proverbs 26

"Smooth talk from an evil heart is like glaze on cracked pottery."

Proverbs 26:23

I don't personally know any evil people. I'm sure we come across evil people every day and we may never be aware. I recently thought of an encounter I had with an executive that was kind of creepy. This guy was from Russia and seemed to be an oil executive of sorts. I was called in to make a presenation with some other executives from other companies (a huge round table). This guy was the lead and he had offices in Houston and New York (I read his card) and seemed to be taking "pot shots" at my discussion.

I answered the man's questions, but it just seemed he was more interested in attacking my experience than looking for a way to work together. My position was that this group called me, I was already busy. I was here to help if they saw a way for me do do so. I had worked on a few projects like theirs and they needed a solution to bring their global membership together and open lines of communication and prove the association's value to its members.

As I readied to leave, he got up close to me and he looked at my lapel pen that was on my suit and he asked me what it was. I told him it was a "United States Marine Corps" lapel pin and that I was a former United States Marine. He looked me in the eye and said "Is that so?" and "I said yes sir!" He said nothing else and just stared at me and I left the room.

I never heard from him, but I did get an e-mail from one of the team members thanking me for my presentation. She seemed apologetic for her senior member. I just brushed it off.

I don't know if the guy was evil or not, but he did give me the creeps.


"Hit Him" by Dr. E.V. Hill, Promise Keepers 1993

Proverbs 26:24-26 - "Your enemy shakes hands and greets you like an old friend, all the while conniving against you. When he speaks warmly to you, don't believe him for a minute; he's just waiting for the chance to rip you off. No matter how cunningly he conceals his malice, eventually his evil will be exposed in public."

Not everyone is your friend. Americans are very friendly, we make friends fast; however, we should be on guard. My first instinct is to trust and be friends with everyone, but I have learned that, that can be a mistake. You can even find someone who seems to be "Godly" and find that they have some growing up to do before you can really engage them properly. Some people you do have to keep at a distance and those few close friends, should be welcomed with open arms and gladness.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

On Honor, Proverbs 26

"Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool."

Proverbs 26:1

"The Medal of Honor"

The Medal of Honor is the highest award given in the military for gallantry and intrepidity. The bestowing of this award has gotten more strict over the years with a high majority given posthumously. Therefore, the value of this honor is more esteemed. Yet, many who have received the award, never call themselves heroes for risking life and limb. At the sight of this medal, every General and high-ranking officer must salute the bearer despite his rank, for he has proven his mettle in battle beyond any measure.

Honor on a fool is out of place. It is illegal for a person to wear this medal without it being awarded to them. The FBI prosecutes these imposters. Yet, many will attempt to fraudelently assert that they are a "recipient" of the award.

To honor someone is to state a truth about their character. It resonates in them. Do you know men or women of honor? Do they stand out in a crowd? Probably not, but honor has a way of making itself known.


"What makes a hero?"

Proverbs 26:8 - "Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool."

I take it one would never tie a stone to a sling. It just doesn't make sense. Do you happen to know of instances where "fools" have been honored? Honor is a special recognition and should come with great care. I can think of many people that I honor for their work in ministry, in business, and those who are family and friends that have done incredible things for others. These verses tell us to reserve our honor. It should be a rare thing, otherwise it loses its value.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

10.26.08 The Liar, Proverbs 26

Have you ever been lied to? No one likes to be lied to. Yet, lying is in our nature. Truth telling is something that has to be modeled, reinforced, followed up, rewarded, and encouraged. Our tendency is to believe a lie or substitute a lie for the truth.

The truth is reinforced in the 10 commandments, upheld by Jesus on the cross, and retold in the bible. We are required to swear-in in court, present "truth-in-advertising", "take an oath of office" in service to the country, or commit in marriage. Our children require the truth. When times get tough, the truth may flee.

Fortunately, we have a God who separates us from the liar and the father of lies. He forgives, refreshes, reinforces, upholds, and keeps our integrity for his purposes.


"Sheep" by Animal Couch

Proverbs 26:4 - "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself."

"God gave us two ears and one tongue". I have often heard this wonderful saying. My tendency is to speak when I should be silent. A great reminder to avoid foolish discussions.

Proverbs 26:29 - "A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin."

A flattering mouth is just as bad as a lying tongue. To flatter someone is to go overboard with the praise and to be in-sincere - "To lay it on thick."

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org