“Charm is deceptive” (Proverbs 31:30).
“Though their speech is charming, do not believe them” (Proverbs 26:25).
Some people are unintentionally charming. For instance, my grandson, Benjamin. He’s endearing, likable, funny, adorable, and appealing. He doesn’t try to be charming, he just is. This is the adjective form of the word.
But some people intentionally try to charm people, often to manipulate them. This is the verb form of the word. Beware of these people.
For instance:
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- We may be overly influenced by someone’s good looks; but just because someone is attractive, doesn’t mean she or he is competent, or possesses good character. Yet, studies indicate that attractive people are more likely to get hired for a job. Why is that so?
- We may be attracted to someone who talks a lot. But does verbosity imply anything other than…verbosity?
- We may be inordinately impressed by someone who has overcome a major obstacle. But is that single, valiant act reason to be entranced?
- Some people are overly impressed by professional athletes or movie stars. These individuals obviously excel at something, but does their narrow expertise make them an authority in other areas?
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Leaders, when choosing team members don’t be misled by factors that don’t relate to job performance. Don’t be enamored by looks, talk, or bravado. Focus on qualities and experience that indicate competence and good character.
I started this post with Bible verses; I’ll end with one.
“Don’t judge by his appearance or height… The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT).
Dear Don,
This is timely. I am working at home today and overheard a conversation with a man and my elderly next door neighbour. It was the tone of his voice that seemed overly charming. I think I will check in with her in case he was some sort of con person.
Best wishes
Angela
Angela, you’re very perceptive. Visit with your neighbors about the conversation. The elderly are, perhaps, the most vulnerable.
Don, thanks so much. I was just thinking about how many people are impressed by others who are famous, never knowing much about their character. Being a person of good character (like yourself) and being able to impart that admirable trait to others is so important. This brings to mind a quote by a 19th century American writer names James Bayard Taylor:
Fame is what you’ve taken, character is what you give;
When to this truth you waken, then you begin to live.
Billy, thanks for contributing to the conversation. I love the Taylor quote. Take care, Don.
I REALLY enjoyed and appreciate these thought-provoking words.
Thanks, Pat, for your kind and encouraging words.
Good thought today. We have been doing all kinds of pledges lately including the West Minster one, but not our own. We are less than a month from our founding and we used to do our pledge of commitment. We have not done it for the last couple of years. I guess we don’t do it anymore because it is on paper.
I really wish we would get back to our commitment, our offertory, our hymn singing, Communion, etc.
Clyde, as always, thanks for sharing your thoughts. They are always appreciated. In church, we’re trying to get back to “normal” while recognizing things we learned during Covid. I value our friendship.