Verse from Proverbs

“对着悲伤的心灵唱歌，就像冷天脱衣服，又像碱上倒酸。”

箴言 25:20 

“Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart.”

Proverbs 25:20 

Here’s what Solomon is pointing to: You’re in a situation where things could not be go- ing worse for you. You fill in the blank. You have all been in situations like that. It might be the death of a loved one. It might be the difficulty of something that has happened at work. It might be the loss of a job—whatever it might be. But here comes that jolly saint Christian guy who looks at you and says, “Well, you know, all things work together for good.” And you just feel like it is time—POW—to pop this guy right in the schnoz. You know what I’m saying?

This verse is saying that, as you would never take away a coat when it’s cold, don’t be one who kind of glibly, brainlessly shows up without the sympathy and true-heart affection for someone who is hurting, don’t go say something that—although it is true—at the moment, might not have the timing to be right in that moment.

I have found this proverb to be so true, and certainly would have to admit I have learned it the hard way, that sometimes it’s better to say nothing and just have a ministry of availability instead of a ministry of words. There are times for a ministry of presence, of just being there and putting your arm around someone and saying, “You know I’m here for you if you want to talk,” to let them do the talking instead of you trying to fix all their problems.

Do you know people who have heavy hearts? Then be someone to them who brings comfort instead of cliches. Do you have a heavy heart today? It’s okay. May God bring people around you who will keep your coat on until things are warm again.

Father God,

Thank You for caring about me when my heart is heavy! 

Please help me to be sensitive to the people around me so that I can bring healing instead of hurt.

Amen