Day 33 - 40 Days of WISDOM
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of WISDOM
Day 33 | SOMETIMES SILENCE IS WISE
40 Days of WISDOM
Day 33 | SOMETIMES SILENCE IS WISE
SOMETIMES SILENCE IS WISE
Proverbs 17:27-28
“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” (NLT)
We live in a time of constant noise. The Scripture “Be still and know that I am God” – one of my favorites – is something few know how to do any longer. And talking, too, often fills the few remaining silent spaces of our lives.
I talk a lot as a pastor/shepherd but so do all the Christians I know. Then we come to this verse. What is God saying to us through the pen of Solomon the Wise?
For one thing, “a truly wise person uses few words.” That is teaching us that a wise person, a person of knowledge, spares his words.
You see, both wisdom and foolishness are revealed when one speaks. Another Scripture tells us, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” So, in many cases, the wise thing to do is know when to use few or no words, as Solomon teaches here. For instance, if someone is on a rant, yelling at them will probably only amplify the discourse. If you can stay quiet, it shows you are even-tempered.
But of course, knowing when to engage in debate and when not to, requires listening to the Holy Spirit for His nudge. There are times when spirited discussion is appropriate.
Yet Solomon is teaching us how wise it is to keep silent and that even fools (an extremely negative label) seem wise and intelligent when they keep their mouths shut.
Computers and the internet have been helpful in many ways. But, like a double-edged sword, impossible to turn off. We once had access to news at 6 and 11; now it streams 24-7. Lots of words. A phrase from My Fair Lady, “Words, words, words, I’m so sick of words!”
Be wise. Consider the words you speak and see if the wise thing to do might not be to use fewer of them.
Prayer: LORD, help me to say the words which are pleasing in Your sight, and put a watch on my tongue. Amen
Proverbs 17:27-28
“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” (NLT)
We live in a time of constant noise. The Scripture “Be still and know that I am God” – one of my favorites – is something few know how to do any longer. And talking, too, often fills the few remaining silent spaces of our lives.
I talk a lot as a pastor/shepherd but so do all the Christians I know. Then we come to this verse. What is God saying to us through the pen of Solomon the Wise?
For one thing, “a truly wise person uses few words.” That is teaching us that a wise person, a person of knowledge, spares his words.
You see, both wisdom and foolishness are revealed when one speaks. Another Scripture tells us, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” So, in many cases, the wise thing to do is know when to use few or no words, as Solomon teaches here. For instance, if someone is on a rant, yelling at them will probably only amplify the discourse. If you can stay quiet, it shows you are even-tempered.
But of course, knowing when to engage in debate and when not to, requires listening to the Holy Spirit for His nudge. There are times when spirited discussion is appropriate.
Yet Solomon is teaching us how wise it is to keep silent and that even fools (an extremely negative label) seem wise and intelligent when they keep their mouths shut.
Computers and the internet have been helpful in many ways. But, like a double-edged sword, impossible to turn off. We once had access to news at 6 and 11; now it streams 24-7. Lots of words. A phrase from My Fair Lady, “Words, words, words, I’m so sick of words!”
Be wise. Consider the words you speak and see if the wise thing to do might not be to use fewer of them.
Prayer: LORD, help me to say the words which are pleasing in Your sight, and put a watch on my tongue. Amen
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