Western society is increasingly using exaggerations or superlatives to describe the ordinary and mundane. Everyone will give an account of all idle words.

We frequently admonish our children to 'Be nice,' but what does it mean? It is far better to learn kindness, a biblically defined fruit of God's Spirit.

Ecclesiastes deals with quality of life issues for those who have been called, emphasizing responsibility and choice, continually fearing God.

Pride elevates one above God, denigrating any dependence upon God, replacing it with self-idolatry. We ought to boast or glory in the Lord instead of ourselves.

Whether we are called to welcome others, speak truthfully, keep commitments, or guard our own speech, credibility flows from consistent daily actions.

As teachers, we are all burdened with an unholy tongue, but we need to rule it to produce only holy speech. Ecclesiastes 10 focuses on a leader using gracious speech.

We are counseled to seek wisdom (the power of judging rightly) and discernment (the ability to consider the end of a thought pattern or behavior).

Reaping good fruit does not happen immediately. If we feel we are not reaping, we must consider that we might be reaping some negative things we have sown.

Spiritual discernment is a gift from God, enabling us to judge between good and evil, comparing things with God's Word to see if they align with His standards.

Our manners express our personality, especially as they portray humility, courtesy, or gentleness, and are improved as we make use of God's Spirit.

The seemingly benign advice to 'Be Nice' falls short of a truly virtuous approach to life. It is associated with pleasant but superficial behavior.

Self-control has both an inward and outward dimension, the latter concerned with human relationships, manners, and reflecting God's orderly mindset.