More tips
August 9, 2023
Folks love to be advice givers. And sometimes lack the capacity to realize their words are unwanted, irrelevant, and even cruel. Here’s some ‘what not to say’ advice.
“You should do . . .” Why do folks, even strangers, believe they are equipped to advise us, or that we care about their perspective (usually limited)? My friends whose eight year old daughter suddenly died were given advice about her room, her belongings, and more in the first week of their numbness and grief.
“What a great way to die!” Yes, folks actually say that when a loss is sudden. Great for that person perhaps, but one young widow grieved not having time to prepare.
Wisdom from Proverbs: the prudent hold their tongues 10:19 and 16: 21
The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.