Blogging and Proverbs

Tim, over at Challies DOT com, has an excellent post concerning blogging and what has stood out to him as he studied Proverbs this month. I'd like to share some highlights, though I most definitely suggest you read the entire post:

Know when to walk away.

"If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet (29:9)." There are times when you need to walk away instead of carrying on an argument. Foolish people have no real desire to learn or to be wise. Instead, they only seek opportunities to loudly proclaim the folly. Walk away so you can have peace. It is not worth having to deal with a prescription for high blood pressure based on ongoing arguments with a complete fool.

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Be humble.

"Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger and not your own lips (27:2)." "One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor (29:23)." Let others praise you. If you never receive praise from anyone, especially from those who are wise, it may be a good time to examine your heart and examine if you are walking in the ways of wisdom. Those who are humble and lowly in spirit will receive honor while the arrogant will be brought low. If you are a blogger, this may mean re-examining the list of endorsements and words of praise you've posted on the main page of your site.

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Don't be a troublemaker.

"Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling (26:27)." Those who exist only to bring trouble to others will pay a price. And unfortunately, on the Internet there are many of these people. Don't be one! Seek to edify others and to bring glory to God, whether you publish a blog of your own or whether you prefer to comment on other peoples' sites.

Examine why you write.

"A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike (27:14)." The proverb speaks of a quarrelsome wife, but it could as easily apply to anyone. If you are writing merely to be quarrelsome or because you enjoy an argument, perhaps it is best to find something else to do. There is already enough negativity in the world and on the Internet. If you find yourself continually depressed by what you write, it may be best to find a more uplifting hobby. "Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Just as bad news can push a person down, so joyful words can uplift.