From My Perspective - - -

Some of us were reared in a day and time when pithy statements were often utilized by parents, grand-parents, teachers, etc. to make a point of application for a particular behavior of the moment. If a class was behaving in a rowdy fashion, a statement would be proffered that sometimes brought an immediate hush, namely, “Hollow Logs Make The Most Noise!” In that day, most children had learned that a response was expected – we were to tone it down and behave less boisterously. There is always a place for apt proverbs and maxims. In ones lifetime, a recurring proverb has been, “Actions speak louder than words.” As children, amid a conflict with another most have parroted – “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never harm me.” Additional words added stated – “when I die, you will cry for all the names you called me.” To get one to speak more softly, the saying employed was – “The walls have ears” – which meant – others could be listening so be careful what you say and how loudly you say it.

In the days prior to Television, Radio Programs were the source and means of entertainment. One of the more popular programs was The Fred Allen Show. One of the popular characters in that show beginning in 1945 was Senator Beauregard Claghornof Charleston, South Carolina. Senator Claghorn was a blustery Southern politician whose home was usually the first at which Fred Allen would knock. Claghorn would typically answer the door with, "Somebody, ah say, somebody knocked! Claghorn's the name, Senator Claghorn, that is. I'm from the South. Suh." Claghorn had an unshakable obsession with the South, and would proudly voice his disdain for the North in humorous ways. For instance, the Senator refused to ever wear a "Union Suit" (a brand name of men’s underwear) or drive through the Lincoln Tunnel when he visited New York, and he claimed to drink only out of Dixie Cups. The Senator even rebuked Fred Allen for saying the word "no" in his presence, saying "N-O…That's North abbreviated!!" Some of the Senator's other anti-Northernisms included: "When I'm in New York I'll never go to the Yankee Stadium"; "I won't even go to see the Giants unless a Southpaw's pitchin'!"; "I refuse to watch the Dodgers unless Dixie Walker's playin!"; "I won't go into a room unless it's got Southern Exposure!"; "When I got the Chicken Pox, they were Southern fried.” When Fred Allen was finally able to get a word in edgewise with the Senator, he would ask him a topical question, to which Claghorn would respond with a rapid stream of talk, shouting, repetition and punnery. After a quip, the senator would laugh uproariously, and utter one of his two catch phrases: "That's a joke, son!" or "Pay attention now, boy!"

Some might allow that there are some in government today who are a lot like Senator Claghorn. They are blustery, verbose and love to hear themselves speak. When they speak with verbosity (using an excess of words), it becomes obvious that some keep speaking until they can think of something to say. In Matthew 23:1-7 Jesus begins to define those who are blustery, verbose and who seek prominence in religious circles. They assume an authority that is not rightly theirs and place burdens upon others over whom they exercise control. Jesus states: “…The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat,so practice and observe whatever they tell you--but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagoguesand greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others…” The teaching and guideline lacking is given in James 1:19-22, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves…” The teaching that needs to be implemented in all our lives is Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” May this be your goal and practice!  Consider these things with me!