MEMORY VERSE: “For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. ”.Isaiah 30:15.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 10:19-21
INTRODUCTION
Words are powerful and can make or mar situations they are sent into Proverbs 6:2. Words can save or put one in trouble. It takes foresight ,maturity, and self-discipline to be a person of few words (spoken in wisdom). Therefore, being in a rush to speak always, is a sign of weakness and foolishness.
OUTLINE
1.THE MOUTH A FOOL
2. BEING ‘SLOW TO SPEAK’ AND ITS BENEFITS
THE MOUTH A FOOL
A fool is a person who acts unwisely or imprudently. However, one of the downfalls of a fool is their mouth which is very quick to express all the thoughts of their heart. According to Proverbs 18:7, a fool’s mouth is their destruction and a trap to their own soul. This is because fools do not exercise any control in the use of their tongue neither do they keep their mouth shut or speak only, when necessary, Proverbs 18:6; Proverbs 17:28. A fool reveals their entire mind because they believe they are always right and hate any form of accountability Proverbs 29:11. The talk of a fool destroys them because it puts them into trouble Ecclesiastes 10:12. A fool argues and expresses frustrations openly and will often engage in strife Proverbs 20:3.
BEING ‘SLOW TO SPEAK’ AND ITS BENEFITS
Being ‘slow to speak’ is not a sign of weakness. Apostle James, in the book of James 1:19, admonishes everyone to be ‘slow to speak’. This means that we must learn to do the following:
- Think before speaking Proverbs 23:7; 29:20.
- Choose and use our words wisely Proverbs 25:11.
- Let our words be gracious Colossians 4:6.
- Avoid being rash with our words and decisions Proverbs 15:1; Acts 19:36.
- Speak words full of wisdom. Psalms 37:30.
- Talk less Proverbs 15:28 and listen actively and attentively to others Job 29;9-10
- Ask the Lord to set a guard at our mouth Psalm 141:3; James 3:2
Being ‘slow to speak’ has a lot of benefits. For instance, it shows we are knowledgeable Proverbs 17:27; 15:2. Also, it shows great understanding Proverbs 10:13; 17:28b and the right use of words Proverbs 8:8. If we able to ‘bridle’ our tongue, we will command the attention and respect of others Proverbs 12:14. Our words will be sound and seasoned with wisdom Titus 2:8; Proverbs 15:23. We will avoid needless arguments, troubles, battles, and keep safe Proverbs 13:3; 21:23.
CONCLUSION
We can create unneeded tension if we are rash with our mouths. Relationships grow by listening actively and speaking slowly.