This proverb is really in the Scriptures. It was not put here because of current political figures. Many a ruler lies, but that does not excuse the lies. But what else does this proverb say, and say to us?
I am often wary of people whose words are too smooth, too polished, too calculated. Timeshare sales staff have this down to an art. Once they start talking every word is planned. And at the end of the day, they get your signature on the dotted line. My wife won’t let me go to any of these presentations because I won’t buy anything. I can’t be persuaded. And I am not very polite with smooth talkers. I am too abrupt.
Smooth talking and foolishness don’t fit well together. That is because we don’t need more fools! The world has enough to go around. I think they must breed in the news media! Someone who just parrots what they have heard without any thought about whether it makes sense or matches the facts doesn’t help society.
We need to learn to question, to think for ourselves. Just because someone can say what they say in a way that gets us excited doesn’t mean what they say is true. We knew the math on the Affordable Care Act never added up. It is impossible to care for more people at a higher level of care for less money. At least not without taking over the whole process and controlling how much everyone earns, and kicking the lawyers out of the picture. Simple math!
I guess the question for us is this: Do we sugarcoat our words in order to convince people? Our ideas need to stand on their own merit, not on our ability to sell them. Personality should not be what sells ideas. But unfortunately, personality has become one of the key factors in convincing people. We have celebrity endorsements for almost every product.
Be careful what you give your name to. Liking things on Facebook is adding your name and reputation to something. And once your name gets attached, it can be almost impossible to detach it.
The Arnold Journey 