Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Psalm 53 and Proverbs 17

“A truly wise person uses few words;
    a person with understanding is even-tempered.

Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;
    with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” (v.27-28)

Why would wise people not go around spouting many words? I think there are a few reasons.

Firstly, wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. When pleasing God is our highest priority we will weigh each thought in our minds before we express it, to ensure that it is not displeasing to God. We will carefully consider how we can put our thoughts into words in ways that are truthful, kind, gentle and life-giving to others; because this is pleasing to God. That takes careful reflection, and the discipline of reflection (even when it is in-the-moment) slows us down. A commitment to reflecting before speaking also makes us more “even-tempered” (v.27).

Secondly, a wise person uses fewer words because wisdom and humility are partners. In wisdom we understand that we are imperfect, fallible human beings who might feel as though we have the moral high ground and better ideas than anyone else, but who actually don’t. Wisdom increases our humility, and humility means we understand that what others have to say is also valuable and worthy of our respectful listening.

God of wisdom, grow me in wisdom and humility, I pray. Guide my thoughts and empower me to guard my words with great caution. I long to please you with every word that passes my lips. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.