Proverbs 10:19: “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
Someone just said to me recently, that God gave us two ears but only one mouth. Therefore we need to listen more than we talk. Solomon is stating something similar in the book of Proverbs. Listening skills heighten emotional intelligence. It is a skill that needs to be more actively pursued.
The word prudent or having prudence means: Having wisdom; sound judgment; common sense; shrewdness; foresight; careful in the way decisions are made; wisdom gained through experience and knowledge, and expressed in a frugal and realistic attitude. If one wants to be wise, he must have the prudence to rightly observe and discern the reason behind other people’s actions. It takes heightened listening skills more than speaking skills. Wisdom in our speech means saying what is appropriate.
A parallel verse to Proverbs 10:19 is found in James 3:2: “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”
I find comfort that James said, “we all stumble in many ways.” What we do say and don’t say are both important. But controlling our desire not to say what we shouldn’t takes self-control and discipline.
Then Proverbs 17:27-28 sums it all up regarding wisdom and having intelligence: “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”
Solomon is saying that a fool would do well to keep his mouth shut at times. Oh how often I wish I could take back what came out of my mouth and do a replay and redo!
Sometimes we need to be still. We need to listen for God’s voice as we read His Word. To be quiet and give Him a turn to talk.
I love how the Message words Proverbs 17:27-28: “The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm. Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they’re smart.”
Questions:
Did you ever realize how much power is in your words? Are your words encouraging others or discouraging recently?
How can you speak the truth in gentleness today rather than losing your temper when frustrating situations arise? It takes discernment to distinguish when one needs to be a peace maker or a peace keeper.
Actions speak louder than words. Pray for a day filled with the right apples of gold words, and that your conversation will be appropriate in content, be prudent, and be a blessing to others.
My prayer today: God give me your divine wisdom in being prudent in my conversations today. May I be a blessing and encouragement during my interactions that You have orchestrated as divine appointments for me to be placed at, at just the right time. May I be considered wise and of benefit to others I talk with today so You will get all the glory and praise as being my Jehovah Jireh – my great provider, my Jehovah Nissi – battle fighter, and Jehovah Shalom – giver of peace. In Jesus name, Amen.
Listen to Danny Gokey’s YouTube song “Rise.”