Years
ago an anonymous writer penned a short poem about the merits of measuring our
words. “A wise old owl sat in an oak; The
more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why can’t
we all be like that wise old Bird”? There is a connection between wisdom
and limiting what we say. Proverbs 10:19 says, “In the multitude of words sin
is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”
We
are wise to be careful about what we say or how much we say in certain
situations. It makes sense to guard our words when we are angry. James urged
his fellow believers, “Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James
1:19). Restraining our words can also show reverence for God. Solomon said,
“God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few” (Eccl.
5:2). When others are grieving, our silent presence may help more than abundant
expressions of sympathy: “No one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his
grief was very great” (Job 2:13).
Although
there is a time to be quiet and a time to speak (Eccl. 3:7), choosing to speak
less allows us to hear more.
Let
your speech be better than silence; otherwise be silent. (RBC)
