SOMETIMES IT IS BETTER FOR US NOT TO SPEAK

Proclamation:

“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 (NIV)

Explanation:

This proverb was written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here he states that the wise person will think before he speaks and he is careful when he speaks.  The wise man also controls his temper as well as his tongue.  A fool can be mistaken for someone wise if he keeps quiet and holds his tongue.

Application:

It has been said that it is better to be thought of as foolish, than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt.  Those who are wise think a lot and say very little.  It is good to communicate and share ones knowledge at the proper time and place.  However, bragging and boasting, or speaking in an ostentatious way is never appropriate.  Additionally, we do not have to offer our opinion on every topic which is discussed.  It is also never a good idea to speak hastily, or when angry, without giving some thought to what you are about to say.  Our words should always be “… seasoned with salt …” so that they will be helpful to the person we are speaking to. (Colossians 4:6)  Even the truth does not always need to be spoken if it is not going to be helpful.

We Should Think Before We Speak

"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin."  Proverbs 13:3 (NIV)

These words of King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, were written to the people of God to share his insights on human behavior and how believers should conduct themselves.  His point here was that believers should control their tongue, and not speak everything they think.  Those who do not engage their brain before they speak, will end up worse off for doing so.

There is a very familiar and popular quote which says, "Think before you speak." (Unknown)  Most of us would be better off it we would practice this.  However, there is another quote which says, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." (Thumper, the rabbit, in the Disney animated film entitled "Bambi")  (He may not be the original author, but that was the first time that I heard it)  Before we speak, we should ask ourselves these three questions. One, is it truthful?  Two, is it helpful?  Three, is it kind?  If what we were going to say is untruthful, we should forget it.  If it is not going to help the person, or the situation, we should keep it to ourselves.  If it is not kind, or is insensitive, it is better left unsaid.  We should always let our speech be filled with the grace of God. (Colossians 4:6)  Some things just do not need to be said.

Watch Your Tongue

"He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity."  Proverbs 21:23 (NIV)

This another wise saying from a very wise man, King Solomon, who said that the man who is careful about what he says, will avoid getting into trouble.

All too often we engage our mouth before we engage our brain.  We should process and screen the thoughts that we have before we speak.  Some of our thoughts should never be verbalized. (Proverbs 20:19)  According to Finis Dake, guarding the tongue is the secret to peace and contentment.  John MacArthur says that guarding the mouth and tongue keeps the soul from troubles.  By watching our words, we can prevent a lot of the trouble that we would otherwise find ourselves ensnared.  We talk too much and we say the wrong things. (James 3:5-8)  We need to pray and ask God to guide our tongue and help us with our choice of words. (Psalms 34:13 and Psalms 139:4)

Think Before You Speak

"Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him." Proverbs 29:20 (NIV)

Some of us say whatever comes to mind. "Whatever come up, comes out." As our thoughts occur they are uttered, without the benefit of being processed or filtered. Speaking without thinking is not a good idea, especially when we are angry.

"He who restrains his lips is wise." Proverbs 10:19 (NKJ) or "... He who holds his tongue is wise." (NIV) Some things are better off if they are left unspoken. If what we were going to say is not going to help someone, then we should probably keep that thought to ourselves.

Think before you speak.