The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive. PROVERBS 16:21 (NLT)

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I double-dog dare you to name a major politician who is both wise and pleasant.

That was way too easy. Choose another profession, any profession. Consider any walk of life. How many people do you know who are both wise and pleasant? However many names you come up with, there are altogether too few. Am I right?

How does a person become both wise and pleasant? The verse before this one tells us: “Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be joyful.” There are two lessons for us in these few words:

1. Listen and learn
2. Trust God

The more time we spend with wise men and women, the wiser we become. The more time we spend with our Father in heaven, the more joyful we become.

To become known for understanding and to become persuasive, I need more time with God and godly people. I need to listen more than I talk. I need to trust God at all times.

Easy Peasy. The formula is easy. The execution is always a little trickier. My starting place for this day is to spend more time with wise people in real life and in the pages of trustworthy books. I will take time every day to read the Bible, ponder its meaning, apply its truth, and turn its words of truth and life into personal prayers.

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I will take steps toward becoming both wise and pleasant.

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Our Father, the people who get the most attention today are those who speak the snarkiest expressions in the pithiest sound bites. They instantly irritate half the people or more who hear them. I do not want to live like that. I want to listen to wise guides. I want to spend time with you. I want to gain knowledge and joy. I want to become wise and pleasant. Amen.