Have you ever been caught in a tiny white lie? One where you lie to try and end the conversation? Some times it’s over, and no apparent damage is caused. But every now and then, the other person asks a few more questions, which turns one small lie into two, three, or ten.
This reminds me of an old saying, called the rule of holes. The rule goes: When you find yourself stuck in a hole, the first thing you do is stop digging.
So often pride will convince us that getting the last word in will make us ‘right’, or prove the point, or give someone else clarity. Often times anger will cause us to lash out at someone, which effectively kicks them while they’re defenseless. In some cases it is obvious that we speak just to cut the silence, but what is said is hollow. We’ve all been guilty of using words or illustrations flippantly, only to find out later that a careless word on our part negatively affected a loved one.
Proverbs 17:28 says, “even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is deemed intelligent.”
We know the Bible talks a lot about both wisdom and foolishness. What we say can prove either. This Bible verse lets us know that true wisdom is knowing when we should keep our mouths closed.
When we speak, there is a risk. There is always a risk of communication. When you have built a rapport with someone, the risk is less. However, if we aren’t careful and deliberate with our words, they can cause harm. Words are important. They can teach, illustrate, and praise. They can also be destructive.
Here is a prayer to help us know the difference, and to have the strength to keep our mouths closed:
Dear Loving Father, I am thankful that you communicate with me. I thank you for your word, for the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of wisdom of others. Help me to be wise counsel for others. Help me to be a person who lifts others up, who is helpful, and who is loving.Father, please give me the wisdom to know when I’m being tempted. Be with me when I am angry, so I don’t make a bad situation much worse. In these times, give me the strength to keep my mouth closed. Keep me from reacting. Keep the sharp words out of my heart, so I don’t use them for destruction.Please give me the strength to be someone who is patient, and who thinks before I speak. May I have the strength to listen and not be angry. Grant me the wisdom to know when to speak and what to speak, so that others will hear my words and know that they come from a heart that is seeking you. Amen.