Abe Lincoln is credited with saying, “It is better to keep your mouth shut and thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” That is actually an echo and restatement of Proverbs 17:28-“Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut they seem intelligent.”
My reading in Proverbs today was chapter 13. As I read it struck me how much of it talked about the mouth/tongue/speech. I thought it would be fun to list them for you:
- Verse 6- “The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.”
- Verse 13- “The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.”
- Verse 14- “Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.”
- Verse 15- “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.”
- Verse 17- “An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.”
- Verse 18- “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”
- Verse 19- “Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.”
- Verse 22- “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.”
- Verse 26- “The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.”
There are references to listening, being quick-tempered (which often includes the mouth shooting off), jealousy, and others. Maybe it is time for us to seriously stop and consider what we say and how we say it before Abe’s advice is found to be true in us.
{Note: All Scripture is from the New Living Translation}
Great list, Bill! Psalm 141:3 is one of my most often prayed verses: “Lord, place a guard at my mouth, a sentry at the door of my lips.”
The old adage that says “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me,” is an outright lie.
I love that verse also Pam. I find myself praying it often. 🙂 As for the old adage: totally agree. It is garbage
May the Lord guard our mouths and our hearts so that we might not be seen as foolish and hurtful with our words and actions. Thanks, Bill, for giving us this great list from Proverbs 13.
Have a blessed day and a wonderful weekend!
I fell like I need to pray that every day Martha. Thanks and I hope you have a wonderful weekend also.
Perhaps our country’s past, present, and potential future leaders could learn something from this post. That aside, I know I have had words escape my mouth that after they were said, I realized I should have just not said anything. I try to do more listening than speaking these days. Your thoughts on how we say something, not just what we say is spot on. Many times it isn’t what we say that gets us in trouble, it is how and equally as important is the timing.
So very true Ryan. We can say things but often our tone defies any help or encouragement we are trying to offer. And I agree about the leader comment.
Good point Bill.That is why wearing the armor of God is so important everyday, some days you have to tighten those sandals of peace to the point of them pinching your feet. It is easier to respond not react to a comment, when your armor is already in place. Having the sword of the spirit, packed full with a few good memory verses ready in your head to help you tame your tongue.
Hmmm were you in Bible study with me last night? 🙂 But you are so right Gail. Having the sword of the Spirit ready makes a big difference in what we say. And sometimes those shoes that pinch our feet need to pinch harder to remeind us to keep our mouth shut or at least speak slower.