There was a time in my life, I regret to say, when I prided myself in clever repartee. It was never my intention to hurt anyone. I just wanted to be admired by people for my quick wit and verbal skills. Then one day, a colleague said to me in a thoughtful way, "I would rather be kind than clever." That quiet comment shook me to the core, and the memory served forever after as a check on my foolish pride (although not always with total success).
Like a maniac shooting
flaming arrows of death
is one who deceives their neighbor
and says, “I was only joking!”
flaming arrows of death
is one who deceives their neighbor
and says, “I was only joking!”
(Proverbs 26:18-19)
Posts
Oh I love this. I cannot stand hurtful comments disguised as cleverness. I work with people like those and I sometimes tell them to be nice.
ReplyDeleteA wise learning. And one difficult to grasp. It is always easy to say "I was just joking." Many use it as a way to say what they really mean and try to cover it with the joking excuse. Lovely artwork, as usual.
ReplyDeleteVery powerful post and illustration my friend. xx
ReplyDeleteWOw, thanks for being vulnerable and sharing that. I am learning the same, yet in a different way. Powerful illustration. I fee it.
ReplyDeleteEven as a lifelong smartass, I think this is very cool. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteAh, I know your pain. It's hard to strike a balance sometimes! I love the painting even though I suppose it's a little sad.
ReplyDeleteI've got a few quotes on my page, and you'll like this one: “When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.” ~Abraham Joshua Heschel
wow, your friend did you a definite favor, and i really appreciate the reminder myself.
ReplyDelete(your illustration is still very clever!)
Wow! Great word! Love that illustration! Thanks for sharing: )
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely illustration and i agree about repartee. Though it can be entertaining to exchange that kind of clever repartee with someone else who does the same, so you both know where you are and can enjoy the cleverness without either of you being hurt.
ReplyDeleteThat is perfect! Thanks
ReplyDeleteI had to learn that too, in a less gentle way. Thank you for sharing. Your illustration is very poignant.
ReplyDeleteYou've said so much with this piece, and your post. I substitute teach, and am sometimes alarmed at what kids think that they can get away with as long as they tag a "just kidding" onto it. This would be a nice reminder on a classroom wall!
ReplyDelete