I have been doing the Ascension Press Bible in a Year program. Father Mike Schmitz leads a daily podcast of Scripture readings lasting 365 (or maybe 366) consecutive days. I just finished day 287. Some of the Old Testament is hard for me to follow. Lots of names, tribes, conflicts, and lands. I marvel at how Father Mike pronounces them all without missing a beat. I should consider repeating this again next year as I would certainly get more out of it the second time through.
The daily readings currently include the Book of Sirach and Proverbs where so much wisdom can be found. Many verses seem to address concerns relevant to current times. For example, social media is filled with polarizing arguments about mandatory vaccines, voter rights, cancel culture, budget ceilings, court packing, half truths and complete fabrications. Conspiracy theories abound. If people today would heed the advice of some Old Testament writers, our society would be much more respectful. So here are some biblical words of wisdom for everyone to consider before posting anything on social media.
Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
Proverbs 18:17 He who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
Proverbs 20:3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling.
Proverbs 22:10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.
Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Proverbs 16:21 The wise of heart is called a man of discernment, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.
Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city
Proverbs 17:5 He who mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 17:7 Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.
Sirach 11:7 Do not find fault before you investigate; first consider, and then reprove.
Sirach 18:19-20 Before you speak, learn, and before you fall ill, take care of your health.
20 Before judgment, examine yourself, and in the hour of visitation you will find forgiveness.
Sirach 19: 4-10
4 One who trusts others too quickly is lightminded, and one who sins does wrong to himself.
5 One who rejoices in wickedness will be condemned, 6 and for one who hates gossip evil is lessened.
7 Never repeat a conversation, and you will lose nothing at all.
8 With friend or foe do not report it, and unless it would be a sin for you, do not disclose it;
9 for someone has heard you and watched you, and when the time comes he will hate you.
10 Have you heard a word? Let it die with you. Be brave! It will not make you burst!
Sirach 19:15-16
15 Question a friend, for often it is slander; so do not believe everything you hear.
16 A person may make a slip without intending it. Who has never sinned with his tongue?
Sirach 22:13 Do not talk much with a foolish man, and do not visit an unintelligent man;
guard yourself from him to escape trouble, and you will not be soiled when he shakes himself off;
Sirach 23:15 A man accustomed to use insulting words will never become disciplined all his days.
Or, just be nice.
