Today is Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. It is now part of what is being called President’s Day which is a celebration on February 19th, a conglomerate of Lincoln’s birthday and Washington’s birthday (22nd). I can remember when we used to celebrate them separately. Now I can’t even remember when that changed. Perhaps that happened when we got all “revisionist history?” I don’t know. My post today is not going to go down that rabbit trail.
Instead, Abraham Lincoln was known for making wise statements. I’d like to take a brief look at two of them.
One actually finds it roots in the Old Testament book of Proverbs. Lincoln once said, “It is better to keep your mouth shut and thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” Those words are very similar to those found in Proverbs 17:28.
The other is a bit more confrontive. With the Civil War spawning bitter feelings all across our country, Abe saw fit to speak a kind word about the south. A shocked bystander asked him how he could do that. His answer was poignant: “Madam, do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friend?”
Jesus once said, “Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you.” (Mt. 5:43). “If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If you are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will reap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.” (Pr. 25:21-22).
Instead of responding tit for tat, let’s respond as Jesus has told us, and as Proverbs has encouraged us to. There is power in our actions…or inaction.
{Note: All Scripture is from the New Living Translation}
Thank you, Bill, for this much needed history lesson related so closely with scripture. Honest Abe was, indeed, a statesman and a believer.
Blessings!
He most definitely was the right man for the right time Martha. His faith and his demeanor provided some much needed stability.
I love that quote and associated verse.
I need to keep it in mind before responding at times. I have a meeting today that this post will help to keep myself in check.
I’m glad I can add to your attitude for your meeting. 🙂
So i sat silently through most of the meeting until I was directly called out for being so quiet… I tried to succinctly express my concerns and then went back on mute for the remainder of the meeting. I think it went well overall and probably was best that I simply be silent for the majority of it.
I’m glad to hear that you showed the restraint you needed and spoke when spoken to. Now I pray that it works out well and your “voice” was heard.
I wish we had presidents today like President Lincoln. You cannot be a great leader and pretend God is part of your life, God needs to be the leader of your life. Leadership without God, will eventually fail. We need leaders that will stand up for Jesus Christ first and lead second.
I agree with you Gail. Times sure have changed haven’t they? I wrote about that on Cycleguy’s Spin (https://billgrandi.ovcf.org/wordpress/?p=17296)
We all need a little of Abe in us, especially in these times.
No argument from me on that Ed.