Daily Devotional ~ Jan 7

The extraordinary man is always prudent in his speech,

but consistently goes beyond in his actions. 

The Confucian Analects, Book 14:29

This reminds me a bit of the parable where Jesus asks which is the better son - the one who says he'll do his father's will, but then does it; or the one who says he won't do his father's will, but then does. 

Obviously, actions count for more than words. 

I also like how it says to be "prudent" in speech, which I interpret to mean humble, almost "thrifty," choosy, wise, etc

but "consistently goes beyond" in action. I like that. Don't brag about yourself too much. As Jesus also said, we should be sounding a trumpet before ourselves as we go to do good deeds. We should just do them, without drawing attention to ourselves. Modesty in speech, generosity in action :) 

Are you more prone to talk about your greatness, or live it out? 

Personally I'm very uncomfortable talking about myself to others, especially in person, so I would say (hopefully) live it out? Not that my life is that great haha but I'm trying ;)

Do you "toot your own horn?" or do you live in such a way that others "toot" it for you? 

Again, I would hope the second. 

Is your life one of prudent speech and noteworthy actions, or do you spend more time talking than you do doing? 

Aahh, here's the kicker... I feel like I spend a lot more time talking. Which, admittedly, is important. Talking about important issues raises awareness, which leads to changed thoughts & behaviors & actions. And I do try to be more than "just talk" and to act out my ideas and ideals. I do recognize that talk is easier than action, however, and something I'm more likely to do. Prudent speech is something I'm good at only some of the time, and noteworthy actions are up for debate I suppose ;)