Sunday, September 12, 2010

a word from Proverbs... fewer words!...

"The man of few words and settled mind is wise; therefore, even a fool is thought to be wise when he is silent. It pays him to keep his mouth shut." (Prov.17:27-28)

or... listen to the way The message says it...

"The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm. Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they're smart."

My husband has said more than once... "not everything that crosses our mind needs to come through our lips"... and of course I always agree with that, unless he happens to be talking to me... :) ...I know that many times I have left a conversation with someone and wished I had said less, and even said less more gently...

I do look back through the years and know that God has taught me a lot about not speaking too much... you should have heard me 20 years ago!

The wonderful thing about our God is that He never stops teaching us things we need to learn...

A little Proverbs 'arrow' to send our way this afternoon... good words for any day!

17 comments:

Just Be Real said...

A great Proverb arrow Sonja. This is so very true. I yield unfortunately to saying too much and too critically. Trying to improve on that one. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.

Shirley said...

Good words indeed. I need to say less myself!!!

Debbie Petras said...

That is so true! Sometimes we women feel we always need to say things when the best thing would be to be quiet. I know it can be hard for me sometimes. Also, men seem to use much fewer words. I love the times when Greg actually sits and gives me his whole attention. It doesn't happen all the time but when it does ...I love it.

But even when trying to offer support to others, it is best to spend more time listening than speaking.

Love you,
Debbie

PS. Gosh, even my comments are wordy; lol.

Tammy said...

Oh, this was meant for me! In just the last few months God has tapped me on the shoulder and said "Shhh, listen."

love and hugs,
Tammy

Kathleen said...

Always a worthy reminder! If ever I've been in trouble, it's when I've allowed my tongue to have it's wag-at-will.

I love the old adage: "There's a reason God gave us two eyes and two ears, but only one mouth"!

Kathleen

Diana Ferguson said...

Thanks for the post. Your husband's advice is good. I have found that if I deliberately open the mouth when I know it should remain shut, the Lord is swift to convict!

Beth Herring said...

oh,.... arrow found it's target...

Farm Girl said...

Thank you for your visit and your kind words. Yeah, that is my menu. :) It sounds better than it is. :) I loved your wise words, Your blog is great. I also loved your testimony for you Mother-in-law. What a wise lady and she taught her family so much. I love it when you know she was in the arms of her savior. I look forward to reading more of your wisdom. It blessed me today.

Jackie said...

Bullseye!!!

Luv you, friend!
Jackie

Deborah Ann said...

Jackie probably said 'bullseye' because of this swirling background. I'm getting a little dizzy myself!

Love this reminder. Man, I need to keep my mouth shut more. I am getting better at it, though...

Anonymous said...

My husband has said more than once... "not everything that crosses our mind needs to come through our lips"

Your husband is a very wise man. :-)

Saleslady371 said...

Your husband hit the nail on the head. He sounds just like my dad who was so wise and didn't speak much. I can hear this message over and over again and it always "speaks" to me!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Oh my...too many words from my mouth...too many times. I think I probably need duck tape! I also know the number of words I throw out today are so few compared to years ago...I think that part of aging looks good on me.
Thanks....love this proverb and needed the reminder....I threw out some I shouldn't have yesterday!
Blessings...always hear from the Lord when I stop here

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

My pour mouth... I wonder if it ever wants to retire from me.

I don't think I'll ever tire of hearing this prompt from anyone. It's a good reminder to me that my words were meant for blessing, not cursing, and that my thoughts are meant for pondering, not always for disclosure.

Love you, friend. Rest well.

peace~elaine

Runner Mom said...

Love this proverb! I need to have it written and posted all over the house!!
Love you!
Susan

Lisa Smith said...

Ouch!! I always need that reminder. Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt says Abraham Lincoln and my husband! ;)

LisaShaw said...

There are times I hear my mouth and tell myself to just be quiet!! Thanks dear friend for always giving a keep it real message of truth as it can only be given from the Word!

I love you much! I learn so much from you Sonja. I treasure our friendship!