If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good,
    surely to flog honest officials is not right.

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
    and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
    and discerning if they hold their tongues.

Proverbs 17:26-28

These last three verses of chapter 17 promote restraint. They do so in our actions, in our temperament and in our speech. If you stop and think about it, we all know that the people we respect, that we consider to be wise and laudable all have the traits advocated in our verses. Sadly, they are all too rare these days, and perhaps in any time.  In these days, when people are incredibly rude in social media, saying thigs they probably would not dare to say in person, it is very easy to slip into a habit of being uncivil… most especially in the arena of politics, where appearing to be intelligent was once a prized attribute.

It is surely a sad state of affairs.

Yet we do not need to become part of the current trends, for in Christ we have overcome the world around us, and have both the freedom and strength to resist taking upon ourselves the characteristics of fools.