“Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue” (Proverbs 17:28).
I have a terrible time keeping my mouth shut. So much so that I’ve metaphorically tattooed a lock on my lips and I can’t open them until I’ve scrolled through the combination. By then – to the delight of those around me – I’ve had time to weigh what I say or remain silent.
“A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul” (Proverbs 18:7).
The Bible calls a fool undisciplined, quarrelsome, senselessly improper, stupid, shameless, morally undesirable, and thoughtless. Most alarming of all, wisdom is “beyond the grasp of a fool.”
Why is it so hard to keep undisciplined, quarrelsome, inappropriate, thoughtless, ignorant comments to ourselves? I think it’s because our motives are selfish. We want to please people. We want people to admire us, and we want to control everything so we’ll feel safe. Friends, this is like playing tug-of-war with the devil. It keeps us focused on overcoming him, the master of foolishness! Christ already did that.
Proverbs 8:12 says, “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.” People of discretion are mature, self-controlled, understanding, sensible, of sound and prudent judgment, slow to anger; thoughtful, careful and cautious in their dealings with others. We learn to be discreet by focusing on Christ, the master of discretion.
“A fool’s soul is always dancing on the tip of his tongue.” (From A World Treasury of Folk Wisdom , Feldman & Voelke, 1992).
People know who we are by what we say, and offhand comments change the course of history every day. Living to pleasing God leaves no room for foolishness, and wisdom will be ours.
Father, using discretion in our speech will impact our social gatherings, family dynamics, and, most important of all, Your kingdom. Give us the wisdom to be discreet – not so we will be admired or elevated in the eyes of others, but so we will be a reflection of Your glory, amen.
Sandra Milholland
