From My Perspective - - -

There’s a vast distinction between (a) saying what people want to hear, versus (b) saying what people need to hear. In an era of political correctness, it is becoming increasingly difficult to either appreciate and/or understand the intent of one’s expression and communication. If one takes the time to observe an interview, especially when an easily understood question is posed where a “yes” or “no” could be an appropriate response, the circumlocution factor kicks in and the direct question becomes obscured by the elongated response. The response gravitates to saying what people want to hear versus saying what people need to hear. From the old Television Program – Dragnet – the mantra of Sergeant Joe Friday – “just the facts, Ma’am” – would be a welcome reprieve to the abundance of words one hears.

The other failure of Circumlocution is the consistency factor – knowing what one has said previously and making certain that what is being said currently is consistent with a previous expression or communication. The Weekly Standard - April 14, 2012 in an article by Peter Wehner entitled: The Great Divider states: “In 2008, Barack Obama promised he would put an end to the type of politics that ‘breeds division and conflict and cynicism’ and he would help us ‘rediscover our bonds to each other and get out of this constant, petty bickering that’s come to characterize our politics.’ As president, he has not only discarded this core commitment; he has turned it on its head. Republicans aren’t simply people with whom he has philosophical disagreements; they are members of the ‘Flat Earth Society’ and have embraced a budget that demonstrates their ‘Social Darwinism.’ The Republican philosophy is ‘simple: We are better off when everybody is left to fend for themselves and play by their own rules…’ The president…has signaled that he is going to run a campaign built on crude caricatures and false claims, whether they are directed against Romney, Congress, or the Supreme Court. No individual or institution is beyond libel.”

When one sets out to communicate, there are some basic rules that are appropriate, such as: (1) Be Focused – have a clear objective; (2) Be Factual – avoid exaggeration and the temptation to bloviate; (3) Be Fastidious – exercise care and sensitivity in what is being represented and stated; (4) Be Filtered – be disciplined when communicating and don’t say what doesn’t need to be said; don’t make improvable claims or offer vain hopes and promises;  (5) Be Final – do not leave any doubt in the minds of those who have listened to you; avoid being equivocal; preserve personal integrity at all times.

The Bible has many references to communication. The first refers to the wise use of words – Proverbs 10:18-21, “He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.  When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.”The second refers to the perspective one should have in terms of all utterances – Ecclesiastes 5:2-4, “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words. When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.” The third refers to the cautions one should observe – James 3:1-12. In James 3:9-10, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing…this should not be.”

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made it abundantly clear how one should communicate. In Matthew 5:37, “Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”One final thought from James 1:19, “…take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” We all need wisdom in terms of when we should Speak Up and when we should Shut Up – when we should Stand Up and when we should Sit Down! We need more godly people who will purposely Stand Up and Speak Up! Consider these things with me!