I must confess that I was convicted by the Word as I read
this morning of how I am sometimes foolish. Three verses, closely packed at the
end of 17 and beginning of 18, speak to foolishness and the use of the tongue.
“27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,
and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;
when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.
….
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
but only in expressing his opinion.
As I read I also was reminded of the famous Mark Twain
quote: “"It is better to keep
your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open
it and remove all doubt." Evidently, Mr. Twain was familiar with the
Proverbs.
I know that there are times when, rather than listening to
learn (2a), I am only eager in expressing my own opinion (2b). And also very
often I find that when I do that, even I realize that my opinion wasn’t worth
much. When that happens…how do I feel? Foolish!
So wouldn’t it be wise for me to listen more than I speak?
Yes, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow
to speak….” (James 1:19)
Prayer: Father, forgive me for thinking that I need to
express myself on every matter. Help me to quietly listen to what others have
to say and consider it before responding. Help me to be edifying in my speech
so that others will be built up and encouraged.
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