A SCOWLING ATTITUDE by Donald R. Fox

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A SCOWLING ATTITUDE

Donald R. Fox

“People radiate what is in their minds and in their hearts. If a man feels kindly and obliging, his neighbors will feel that way, too, before long. But if he scolds and scowls and criticizes—his neighbors will return scowl for scowl, and add interest!” (Eleanor H. Porter, 1868-1920)

An interesting word, scowling. It is defined in part as “To wrinkle or contract the brow as an expression of anger or disapproval. To scowl is defined in part as “an angry or bad-tempered expression.” I bet most of us have observed a person scowling. It isn’t a pretty sight to behold. It turns one off, does it not?

According to the quote by Eleanor H. Porter, we radiate what is in our minds and hearts. A scowl is a dead giveaway to one's overall outlook. Akin to the tendency of scowling is a scoffer. This is one who jeers or mocks, thus treating something and/or people with contempt and has an expression of mockery and derision. The attitude of derision is part of a scowling stance. People with dispositions of contempt cannot be team workers. We have observed many politicians and media commentators during the period of USA governmental shutdown, October 2013. During this period of hyper party loyalty, scowls were a bare give away for many from the top to the bottom in our governmental structure.

In debating the right/wrong about any proposition one must have a gentleman and/or lady-like attitude. Our demeanor coupled with the desire to do the right thing is a must. Rudeness and scoffing must never be part of the solving of problems. Strong negative attitudes joined with my-way or else have to be avoided.

Even though it is becoming a rare character trait among many, the great need is a Christian deportment. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV)

SCOFFING AND SCOWLING MUST NOT BE PART OF OUR CHARACTER.

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,” (2 Peter 3:3 KJV)

“How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?” (Proverbs 1:22 KJV)

NOTE: For a similar study see essay titled “STATESMAN VS. POLITICIAN”.