22 What is desired in a man is ^[a]kindness,
And a poor man is better than a liar. (Proverbs 19:22 NKJV)

I have a good friend who always says, “Just be nice”, I thought that was some good advice. I don’t know that I have always been like that. I can be a stern man, but I try very hard to temper that with kindness, humility and fairness. I think that this is pretty clearly a scriptural imperative as well.

Less today than it used to be, but this world rewards hard people. In business this hardness is seen as strength, compassion does not typically play a part when everything is bottom line focused. The same can be true in relationships, especially with family. I was a stern father and only really learned to be much softer and kinder with my grandchildren. I have since apologized to my children for the man I was back then, but it does still haunt me.

I now believe that one does not have to be harsh to be firm. What our scripture today focuses on is far better. I too believe that the last line of our scripture has much merit as well. Always being truthful can lead to serious consequences, but that is far better than being seen to lie about really anything. It is just not worth it.

Reflect on: Your kindness and your truthfulness, just for good measure throw in some reflection on your humbleness.