SEPTEMBER 25, 2014
The
Wise Old Owl
Read: Proverbs
10:17-21
He who restrains his lips is wise. —Proverbs
10:19
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.
Dear Lord, please
grant me wisdom to
know when to speak and
when to listen.
I want to encourage
others and to care
for them as You have
cared for me.
Let
your speech be better than silence; otherwise be silent.
Insight
Today’s reading
focuses on how we use the words we speak. In verse 17, the emphasis is on the
instruction and correction we receive; lying lips and slanderous words are the
focus of verse 18. The point of verse 19 is that words can be so dangerous that
we’re wiser to not speak than to speak too much, while verse 20 contrasts the
speech of those with a right heart (which is like silver) against those whose
heart is far from God (worthless). Finally, verse 21 describes how proper
speech can be like food to the soul. In all of these sayings, we are challenged
to carefully consider how we speak.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
