“He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend” (Proverbs 22:11).
What took Dale Carnegie 291 pages in his 1936 book with this title, Solomon stated in one sentence nearly three millennia earlier.
Be pure of heart. Rid yourself of all guile and insincerity. Genuinely love others and desire what is in their best interest. Squash a critical spirit which focuses your attention on discerning others’ failings and shortcomings. Search for what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy in your associates.
Be gracious and generous in your speech. Explicitly state sincere praise and gratitude. Avoid all flattery and any manipulative speech. Focus on others’ strengths, not their weaknesses.
Regardless of which side of the cross you live on: “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it” (1 Pet. 3:10-11; Ps. 34:12-14).
A man who has friends must himself be friendly (Prov. 18:24). He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips will win friends and influence many people.
