A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.
Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. Pro 17:27-28
I know I have written about this before on a few occasions but there are times when we all, me included, need to be reminded that there are times to speak and there are times to shut our pie holes. Prime example, I was watching a show the other day and was in one of those moods where I was hypercritical of the message being delivered. It was a comedy show but for some reason I was watching it like it was real and was getting rather upset at one actor. You see, the protagonist was asked a question regarding his opinion and, if memory serves correct, the antagonist interrupted him and told him that was not right and that this is how it really should be. The protagonist was very patient regarding the interruption and when he was given the chance, he continued with his opinion. He was interrupted on numerous occasions and when it came time to provide an illustration, he could not even get through the story and the antagonist was interrupting with a “better story” than the one the protagonist was telling. I know these are actors and it was a simple skit, but I have lived through discussions like this, and I am embarrassed to admit, I was the antagonist on many occasions in my youth.
When I got into ministry, my mentor who is a very patient and loving person, took me off to the side and suggested I read Proverbs 17:27-28. I read it though a couple of times but really didn’t see the significance of the verse as it pertained to me but over the years, I have come back to it numerous times and have often quoted it under my breath on numerous occasions. Abraham Lincoln was thought to have said “Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak and Remove All Doubt” This, combined with the Proverb was the turning point to my life, I concluded that if you ask for my thoughts or opinions on something, tell me I am wrong and then proceed to relentlessly carry on, I will let you have your rein so you can keep on galloping ahead. Following scripture, I will simply remain silent, smile and nod and I may even let you know that I have never heard it presented like that before. You see, I am trying to be wise and understanding, and I figure if I keep my mouth shut, I can keep a ton of people guessing and I will be able to reduce some of the stress in my life by avoiding useless arguments. Does it work every time? No, it doesn’t but I am not perfect, just forgiven.
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Blessing,
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