British Petroleum is not on my list of favorite companies. They do not impress with what little I have seen of their policies and corporate attitudes.
Today, BP chief executive Tony Hayward announced he would step down effective October 1. This is the man who was quoted as saying in the face of the worst oil spill in US history, “I just want my life back.” No matter the context, those words infuriated the families of eleven people who died in the initial explosion and the thousands whose lives have been horribly affected. The man who jetted back to Great Britain for a yacht race while others scrambled to contain the oil leak has said that he was “demonized and vilified.” Hopefully, the over $18 million severance package he walks away with will comfort him somewhat as BP stock falls and thousands of Gulf residents deal with the horrible economic repercussions.
Few would argue that Hayward’s words were wise, regardless of whether or not they were taken out of context. As one who has made his share of major gaffes, I don’t want to be overly critical of making a stupid statement at precisely the wrong time.
What I am reminded of is the amazing practicality and truth of the Hebrew proverbs. Hayward’s statement has single-handedly motivated me to set a goal next year of reading a chapter of Proverbs every day. I have done that before and anxiously await doing it again in addition to my regular Bible reading schedule.
Here’s an example of an applicable proverb.
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. (Proverbs 15:28)
Our words weigh much more than we imagine. Though I have been guilty many times of violating this principle, this current event impresses upon me anew the importance of measuring my words.
I want to be careful, however, not to simply focus on the negative of keeping my mouth shut when my words would be inappropriate. My prayer is that God would guide me to use my words for the benefit of others. Again, there is a proverb for this.
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! (Proverbs 15:23)
Think, then speak
Today, BP chief executive Tony Hayward announced he would step down effective October 1. This is the man who was quoted as saying in the face of the worst oil spill in US history, “I just want my life back.” No matter the context, those words infuriated the families of eleven people who died in the initial explosion and the thousands whose lives have been horribly affected. The man who jetted back to Great Britain for a yacht race while others scrambled to contain the oil leak has said that he was “demonized and vilified.” Hopefully, the over $18 million severance package he walks away with will comfort him somewhat as BP stock falls and thousands of Gulf residents deal with the horrible economic repercussions.
Few would argue that Hayward’s words were wise, regardless of whether or not they were taken out of context. As one who has made his share of major gaffes, I don’t want to be overly critical of making a stupid statement at precisely the wrong time.
What I am reminded of is the amazing practicality and truth of the Hebrew proverbs. Hayward’s statement has single-handedly motivated me to set a goal next year of reading a chapter of Proverbs every day. I have done that before and anxiously await doing it again in addition to my regular Bible reading schedule.
Here’s an example of an applicable proverb.
Our words weigh much more than we imagine. Though I have been guilty many times of violating this principle, this current event impresses upon me anew the importance of measuring my words.
I want to be careful, however, not to simply focus on the negative of keeping my mouth shut when my words would be inappropriate. My prayer is that God would guide me to use my words for the benefit of others. Again, there is a proverb for this.