It’s funny to me how, in conversations with people, I can say so many things without a second thought. I don’t know if it stems from an insecurity that I have about being perceived as not contributing to a conversation or coming across as disinterested or something, or maybe I just seem to think that what I have to say is always so important that everybody else would want to hear what I have to say…I never seem to have a shortage of words…
The harsh truth of it all, however, is that there is a lot in Scripture that seems to suggest that being the person with many words does not mean that you are wise and have so much insight that everybody else in the world is just so desperate to hear…as a matter of fact, the Bible seems to indicate quite the contrary:
“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Proverbs 10:19
“A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.” Proverbs 12:23
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” Proverbs 17:27-28
“A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.” Proverbs 18:2
…and about a million other proverbs along those lines…
“My dear brothers, take note of this. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. For man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:19
As I type this, I am truly convicted…just thinking about how often I feel like I have to contribute in some way in every conversation. It isn’t even something that I do consciously or intentionally arrogantly (I guess it’s just an indication of how foolish I am). I think about passages like those I just listed and other passages like Ecclesiastes chapter 5 where it says, “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words.” (granted, the context of this particular verse is in reference to approaching the Lord, but it is still applicable in other circumstances as a response of humility unto the Lord and even practiced towards others).
I was thinking of writing a lot tonight and work through some thoughts, but tonight…I need to repent and pray for true wisdom…wisdom that comes from encountering the One True God, spending time in the Word of God, and results in me shutting my mouth.
