Daily Devotional for Tuesday, October 7

A Fool’s Mouth

“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge: and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge,” Proverbs 18:6, 15.

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).  It is often said this verse is a reminder of why you have one mouth and two ears. You should listen more than you speak. Using words in the right manner is just one of many ways to show wisdom.

Speaking too much or out of place simply because you like to cause arguments or get a reaction out of someone is foolish. Your mouth can get you into trouble, and by God’s standards that is being a fool. The word fool is a much more pleasant word than calling someone stupid. Yet, in the Greek this is what fool means. If you are someone who cannot keep his mouth shut, whether it is gossip, arguing or belittling, then you are being stupid.

On the other hand, if you want to be wise, you will get all the information about a matter before you speak about it. You will be a good listener and realize you do not have all the answers. Even in knowledge you will reserve your words and be careful how you handle a situation. “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit” (Proverbs 17:27). Just because you know something does not mean you should brag about it or think your opinion is the only right one by starting an argument. “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding” (Proverbs 17:28).

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Children are known for their chatter, but Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:11 that when he became a man, he put away childish things. Be wise in how and when you speak.

Karry Irizarry