My title for this is Listening First vs Speaking First.
It seem this past week has been the week to write and concentrate on speech, on what comes out of the mouth. I read Proverbs 18 & 19 together and chapter 18 goes with that flow.
There’s a saying when speaking about James 1:18 where it says we ought to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to be angry.” They say, “God has given us two ears and one mouth. There’s a reason for that.” After reading Proverbs 18, I see that even more. LISTEN:
“A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.” (6-7)
“The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.” (8)
“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” (13)
“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (15)
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (21)
“Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity, than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.” (19:1)
You get the point. I certainly do. It is time to listen better and speak less.
“Father, help me to heed my own words. Help to listen better, even listen twice as much as I speak. And when I speak, let them be words of life.”
Amen! Me too, LORD!
Glad you can pray that Diane.
Proverbs is rife with wise advice, that’s for sure, Bill. May we all listen far more than we speak.
Blessings!
You are so right Martha. On both counts.
Gulp… Man oh man… I see myself some foolish moments. Talking without thinking and not having enough self control to keep my trap shut…
It’s not as bad as it once was, but this is a good reminder to keep striving for the wisdom that only comes from Above.
I wish I could say I have avoided foolish moments. That would be a lie, bad speech. 🙂 I, too, am glad I am not as bad as I once was but still have room for improvement.