Wink As Good As Nod in Old West Saying

Old West Saying: Wink As Good As A Nod … Tracks Along The Trail with Stephen Bly

An Old West saying went, “A wink is as good as a nod to a blind mule.” In other words, if the mule is blind, no amount of motion whatever is going to motivate him. You could stomp, wave your hands, flap your hat, or kick up dirt. Might as well save your strength because he’s not going to respond.

Of course that Old West saying was used more about people than mules. Some folks are so blind to reason all the fancy logic in the world won’t come close to changing his or her mind.

A Bible verse canters along in that same direction: “Do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet” (Matthew 7:6).

Thought about that as I read an editorial in the newspaper. A tirade about the evils of having prayer in public meetings. Like graduation services. To open legislative sessions. Before basketball games. Things like that. The writer believed such actions would pervert educational and social development.

I almost wrote a letter in response. Then I figured the columnist wouldn’t get the point whether I winked, nodded, or jumped up and down and waved my arms. He has a reputation for not letting facts or reason get in the way of his opinion.

What I’ve Learned From An Old West Saying

1. People can be very stubborn in their opinions.

2. Don’t be like a mule yourself.

3. There are times to keep quiet.

4. There are times to keep your pearls in your pocket.

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