Wisdom on talking
A word of wisdom for those who, like me, tend to dominate conversation and talk before thinking: don’t.
Scripture makes it clear that talking too much is a serious issue. Proverbs 10:19 declares that, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking.” Translation: if you’re talking a lot there’s probably some sin lurking in your hearts that’s driving that abundance of speech. Next time you catch yourself dominating a conversation as people glance away waiting for you to stop speaking, take a step back and search your heart for the sin that’s behind the words.
Wisdom in listening
More often than not when I’ve caught myself doing this and take the time to ask the Holy Spirit to point out the sin it comes down to some form of pride. I think I have the best advice for the situation, the most insight into the question, or the wisest opinion for the circumstance.
Again, Proverbs is brutally blunt: “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” (18:23) We live in the age of opinion, but God declares that it’s the fool who always wants to express their opinion. The wise person is the one who seeks to understand.
Next time you catch yourself spouting opinions with little interest in deeply understanding the other person’s viewpoint, realize you’re acting like a fool. Take a breath and turn your next response into a question. Start discovering the joy of seeking to understand rather that to express.
Wisdom in silence
You can’t go wrong with talking less and listening more. After all, “even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” (Prov 17:28) and “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” (Prov 21:23) Whether it’s through the written or spoken word, wisdom and maturity often looks like listening. Don’t want to make a fool of yourself? Hold your tongue.
Words are powerful things, not to be used lightly. Jesus himself said, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” If you’re the kind of person who can’t stand silence and feels the need to fill it with speech, be careful. Those careless words may cost you.
It was several years ago that the words of Proverbs 10:19, quoted at the start of this post, struck home with me. When words are many, sin is not absent. Since then I’ve intentionally worked to keep myself from speaking unnecessarily, instead seeking to understand and be silent unless there’s a need for my speech.
In his time on earth Jesus made the amazing statement that he only said what the Father told him to say (John 8:28). I want to be able to say that I sought to speak only what I was called to speak rather than piling up meaningless words. Don’t you?
Let’s be people who talk less and speak only what is from the Father for the good of those around us. Will you join me in that?
No Comments