Watching What We Say

We all become frustrated and angry. When we do there is a real danger we will do something really stupid…like begin to talk about it to others and vent openly on social media. We sometimes deal with tough work situations, dysfunctional families, touchy church situations, spousal problems, financial troubles, etc. Before we ever face these issues we need to think about how we will handle them. For the Christian there needs to be a clear understanding of what scripture has to say about this. 

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. (Proverbs 29:11 ESV)

A fool lets it all hang out; a sage quietly mulls it over. (Proverbs 29:11 MSG)

A [self-confident] fool utters all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and stills it. (Proverbs 29:11 AMP)

A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. (Proverbs 29:11 KJV)

There is a saying that we need to be familiar with, “It’s better to be silent and let people believe you are a fool than it is to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” We all become frustrated and angry, but as Christians let’s set a good example of not making a public spectacle of our troubles.

I think today’s thought is as important as it has ever been. Personally, I think we are living in one of the most volatile times in recent memory that range from the pandemic, to politics, to religion, to race, and to social upheavals of traditional values. At any given moment we may read or hear something that gets us frustrated or angry. When we do…may we remember these wise words from the Bible.