The Strong, Silent Type

(Pro 17:28 KJV)  Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

I am finding this advice needs to move front and center in my daily interactions.  One person in particular seems to take everything I say, squeeze it, twist it, distort it, and feed it back to me.  I find it almost impossible to have a civil conversation.  Eventually wisdom shows up and says, “Stop trying.”  

I seem to have several options.  I can be rude and just walk by ignoring the person.  I can listen and say some variation of, “Thank you for sharing that,” then walk on ignoring the person.  I can try the pointless route of dialogue.  What is best is to be courteous, listen as carefully as I can and try to get away without any input on my part.  I can then think about what I heard and decide if it is just noise or something to listen to.  

So?  Life involves constant attention.  Let it be governed by courtesy and kindness as well as long suffering.