Even fools are
thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut,
they seem intelligent.
- Proverbs 17:28 (NLT)
Have you ever said something, and the moment the words left your lips, you wished you could take them back? That sinking feeling is often called “foot in mouth.” I used to be pretty good at keeping my thoughts to myself, but at least twice this past year, I opened my mouth and promptly inserted my foot. In both situations, I felt immediate regret. My outbursts of anger did lead to change in my life, but not without months of fear and uncertainty first. By God’s grace, things eventually turned out for the better, but not everyone is so fortunate. Scripture reminds us in James 1:19–20 that we must be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” If I had followed that wisdom, the road may have been smoother. It’s hard to hold our tongues, especially when fueled by passion or frustration, but silence is often the wiser choice. I once read that the words listen and silent are made up of the same six letters. Coincidence? Probably not. Listening requires silence. And silence often speaks louder than any words we could say in the heat of the moment. The next time you feel the urge to speak too quickly, remember: even fools appear wise when they keep silent. Wisdom often begins with restraint, and God can use our quiet to bring peace where words might only bring regret.
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible
- Proverbs 17:28 (NLT)
Have you ever said something, and the moment the words left your lips, you wished you could take them back? That sinking feeling is often called “foot in mouth.” I used to be pretty good at keeping my thoughts to myself, but at least twice this past year, I opened my mouth and promptly inserted my foot. In both situations, I felt immediate regret. My outbursts of anger did lead to change in my life, but not without months of fear and uncertainty first. By God’s grace, things eventually turned out for the better, but not everyone is so fortunate. Scripture reminds us in James 1:19–20 that we must be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” If I had followed that wisdom, the road may have been smoother. It’s hard to hold our tongues, especially when fueled by passion or frustration, but silence is often the wiser choice. I once read that the words listen and silent are made up of the same six letters. Coincidence? Probably not. Listening requires silence. And silence often speaks louder than any words we could say in the heat of the moment. The next time you feel the urge to speak too quickly, remember: even fools appear wise when they keep silent. Wisdom often begins with restraint, and God can use our quiet to bring peace where words might only bring regret.
#dailybreadbykitty
Daily Inspiration from the Bible
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