[234 words]
Tact is one of the lost arts of the twenty-first century. Someone has defined tact as the art of removing the stinger from the bee without getting stung. Harry Truman, put it this way, “Tact is the ability to step on a man’s toes without messing up the shine on his shoes.” At least that would be very tactful.
The dictionary defines tact as “the ability to manage others with consideration for their feelings; and sympathetic understanding.” Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when he said, “Be ye wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16).
In a classic “Peanuts” comic, Charlie Brown is warned that all the girls are angry with him. The girls confront him with many complaints and then ask, “What have you got to say for yourself?” Rather than arguing, Charlie says, “Nothing. You girls are absolutely right, and I’m glad to hear you feel this way.” After they leave he turns to look at the reader and says, “My soft answer hath turned away a whole flock of wrath.”
Many of the little things that disturb the peace of homes, the church, and nations are due to the lack of tact on the part of somebody. The Bible says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1).
May we be more tactful each day in our dealings with others.
Mark T. Tonkery
Norval Park Church of Christ
Zanesville, OH