Walk of Life, Day 29-April, 2021- Thoughts from the Book of Proverbs. Don’ts
DO NOT BE HASTY IN WORDS.
Proverbs 29:20 “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.”
There was once a serious argument between the tongue and teeth. The teeth warned the tongue to be careful as they could bite the tongue and hurt it. The tongue replied saying that a wrong word from it would break all the teeth. Try talking without moving your tongue, you cannot. It is so true that the tongue is just a piece of a muscle, strong enough to make or break a person.
In the verse from Proverbs 29:20 we read about ‘words’ spoken in ‘haste’. Once a word proceeds from our mouth it is hard or even next to impossible to take it back. So, we have many proverbs even in this world which urge people to be very careful with their words. ‘Before you speak, listen’ ; ‘Silence is golden’ ; ‘ Empty vessels make much noise’ are few of them.
When we newly start experiencing life with our little knowledge, by taking our own decisions, we often mistake by considering ourselves well learned. We speak out confidently and in hurry, so that no one stops us from sharing our brilliant idea. We end up becoming a laughing stock or being unheard.
Does that mean we as less experienced should never talk? No, it does not. When we re-read the verse, it says do not speak in haste. It does not say to be dumb. How do we slow down in speaking? What does the Lord Jesus wants to say to us, to those who are in a hurry to speak?
Do your remember, when the Lord Jesus Christ along with Peter, James and John went up on to a mountain. Peter saw the glory of the Lord Jesus and two men standing with Him. They were Moses and Elijah. Then Peter said in a hurry, “Lord, let us build three tabernacles here.” Immediately the voice of the Lord was heard saying,” This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to Him.” (Read Luke 9:28-36)
It never brings glory to God when you say anything without listening to Him. Our hasty words, even if they are regarding God and the scriptures, do not glorify God if it is we who speak them without God’s approval.
Now when I examine myself, I see myself guilty of many such words. They might be not harsh or filthy, but if they come out of my emotions, they do not fulfill God’s purposes.
We as the children of God, should learn and enjoy in listening to Him. We should never be in a hurry to speak.The Lord says in Psalm 81:10 “I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” Let us open our mouth and let the Lord fill it to fulfill His purposed.
Let us determine not to speak anything in haste, but to wait for the Lord to fill us with appropriate words to meet His needs and fulfill His purposes.
