Loud Words Are Not Always Better

"The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools."  Ecclesiastes 9:17 (NIV)

King Solomon, the wise man, said that the wise speak words of wisdom calmly after great deliberation, and one would do good to heed and respect them.  Those who shout loudly what they have to say, are usually not saying anything of importance.  They think that their words will be given more credence and they will be followed because of their loud speech.  

When we have something important to say, it is often good to speak up to insure that we are heard.  However, shouting is not necessary.  All too often, we talk loud and shout to talk over others, as if our "out talking them" will increase the importance of what we have to say, and will enhance our status among those who hear us.  The Bible warns us to be careful regarding what we hear and listen to. (Mark 4:24)  The Word of God is to be used as a guide to evaluate what we hear, as to whether or not it is true. (2 Timothy 3:16)  We should read and study The Word of God so that we can correctly discern the truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)  Everything spoken loudly is not to be heeded, fools can speak foolishness loudly and with conviction.  We should make sure that when we speak, we speak the truth. (Zechariah 8:16)  We should also make sure that when we speak that what we say is appropriate, helpful, considerate, and thoughtful. (Colossians 4:6) It is not necessary for believers to be loud and shout when we are speaking to others