Share Wisdom And Understanding When You Speak

"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions ... The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook." Proverbs 18:2-4 (NIV)

This proverb of King Solomon teaches that a fool is not interested in gaining understanding, all he wants to do is express his own opinion. Whereas the words of a wise man express his deep and seemingly inexhaustible wisdom and understanding.

It seems that some people like to hear themselves talk, even when they have nothing substantial to say. Before we speak, we should make sure that we know what we are talking about. Knowledge, understanding, and wisdom are essential for effective communication and sharing The Word of God. "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Proverbs 4:7 (KJV) If you are not sure that you know something, be quiet and listen, then verify what you have heard. The Bible records in 2 Timothy 4:15 (KJV): "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Know what you are talking about before you speak, do not simply repeat hearsay or offer an unsubstantiated opinion.

Out Of The Mouth Flow The Issues Of The Heart

"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45 (NIV)

In The Sermon on the Mount as recorded by Luke, Jesus taught His disciples and the crowd of people that had gathered around them that whatever is within a man's heart is what will come out of his mouth, be that good or evil.

If we listen long enough to what people say, they will generally tell us what they really think and feel. We know that people can lie and intentionally deceive others with their words. However, if we let them talk long enough, the will reveal their true colors. Which is a good reason to observe their behavior to see if their actions are consistent with their words.

Watch What You Say # 2

Most of us talk too much. We talk a lot but say very little that is of any importance.

"But shun profane and vain babblings; for the will increase unto more ungodliness." 2 Timothy 2:16

Be very careful what you argue about, debate, or discuss and the choice of words that you use.

We know that it is wrong for us to use profanity. We use it in some misguided attempt to impress people by communicating in a manner that is all too common nowadays. Some years ago I heard it said, "The use of profanity is a weak mind trying to express it self forcefully."

However, profanity is not our only problem. We just talk too much, usually about ourselves, when we should be quite. We 'puff ourselves up' to make us look like we are more, have more, or are better than we actually are. Boasting is included in the list of sinful behaviors that are worthy of death in Romans 1:30 (read 1:26-32). We are to humble ourselves, not brag.

We shall not only be judged for our use of profanity, and our vain utterances, but we will also be judged for every idle meaningless word that we speak. "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Matthew 12:36-37

So if what you want to say is not important, does not add significantly to a conversation, does not help someone, or does not give God glory, maybe you should not say it and keep quiet.

"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Thumper, the rabbit in the movie 'Bambi'. Maybe we should change that slightly to,"If you can't say something good or Godly, don't say anything at all."