Long before the avalanche of self-help books and the current fad for life coaches, there were wisdom teachers. They used Proverbs, an ancient form of meme. Here’s one of them: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25.11)
Trust, community confidence, and neighbourliness depend on agreed standards of truth and sincerity in our words. Words ‘fitly spoken’ clear up misunderstandings, explain situations clearly and truthfully, and reassure, encourage or support people by communicating well. In our workplace, circles of friends, family and neighbourhood, wouldn’t it be great to be recognised as those whose words are ‘fitly spoken’?
So it’s quite a thing when someone, who works in one of the largest UK Financial Services companies, wins an award for sincerity and integrity. The award is based on peer nominations, accompanied by written commendations. Part of the parchment reads: “This Award celebrates exceptional individuals who embrace [our] core value of ‘Sincerity’ by communicating truthfully and openly…and who are known for doing the right thing.”
The award winner is one of my friends. I’m not surprised at the award, nor at the full inbox of personal testimonies about his positive impact on those around him. His integrity and sincerity, his words ‘fitly spoken,’ create an ethos that encourages similar behaviour in others.
Mind you, he doesn’t think he deserves any of this He’s embarrassed by the award. Humility is another one of his strong suits! In a culture where truth is too often negotiable, by character and reputation this person makes integrity and sincerity attractive virtues. According to the ancient wisdom teacher, he is “an apple of gold in a setting of silver.”
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