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.
