Can a "wink" hurt?


Proverbs 10:10--Have you ever been in a conversation where you felt left out? Almost as though the people around you were in on a secret and they purposely excluded you? Doesn't feel good, does it?

That's kind of what winking is--if you aren't the winker or co-winker.

In some cultures, winking is considered offensive and rude. In our culture, winking is used for a variety non-verbal communications. From jokes to a hidden agreement to sexual interest to ill intent, we tend to treat winking as innocuous. But, is it always?

Scriptures seem to frown on winkers. There are four references in the Bible about winking (Proverbs 6:13; 10:10; 16:30, and Psalm 35:19). None of them are harmless. The winker has a hidden agenda that is meant to lord over another.

If someone is winking and we are not "in" on the secret, we can be fairly certain there's more going on than we are privy to. So, what's the big deal? I mean, it's just winking.

What can we learn from wink?

I guess my take-away goes back to the original questions above--about feeling left out. When we're in a conversation with others, it would seem only polite to be sure no one feels left out. Sounds simple, but it takes a bit of finesse, observation, and discernment.

It's easy to connect with someone in a group and dismiss others we may assume won't contribute to the conversation. Or several people connect and one person feels excluded. Sometimes toning down a lively conversation in order to include those on the periphery is better than a conversation where only a few people benefit.

It's about connection, but also inclusion. To purposely disregard someone because we don't feel they will contribute to the interchange, is at best rude, and worst, grievous.

Next time we're at a gathering and we notice someone who may be ignored from the conversation, stop. Try to bring them into the group. Ask their opinion. See if they have something to share.

Who knows, we may learn something marvelous and informative. And even if they don't share--at that moment--you have encouraged and fostered unity and harmony.

May we not "wink" at others, my friends.

Proverbs 10:10--One who winks an eye maliciously causes grief, while a babbling fool comes to ruin. Tree of Life Bible Society Tree of Life Version - TLV #tlvbible #tlvproverbs

[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]

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