The Wise Old Owl--By Jennifer Benson Schuldt. Years ago an anonymous writer penned a short poem about the merits of measuring our words. A wise old owl sat in an oak; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why can’t we all be like that wise old bird? There is a connection between wisdom and limiting what we say. Proverbs 10:19 says, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” We are wise to be careful about what we say or how much we say in certain situations. It makes sense to guard our words when we are angry. James urged his fellow believers, “Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Restraining our words can also show reverence for God. Solomon said, “God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few” (Eccl. 5:2). When others are grieving, our silent presence may help more than abundant expressions of sympathy: “No one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great” (Job 2:13). Although there is a time to be quiet and a time to speak (Eccl. 3:7), choosing to speak less allows us to hear more. Dear Lord, please grant me wisdom to know when to speak and when to listen. I want to encourage others and to care for them as You have cared for me. Let your speech be better than silence; otherwise be silent. Help me to become like the wise old Owl Lord please. In Your name I pray. Amen. --- This prayer is bass on, TODAYS OUR DAILY BREAD Devotional. Used by ermission. Reading the verses that go with this devotion will give a better understanding. odb.org/. Proverbs 10:17-21 New International Version (NIV). 17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. 18 Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool. 19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. 20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. 21 The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense. Insight; Today’s reading focuses on how we use the words we speak. In verse 17, the emphasis is on the instruction and correction we receive; lying lips and slanderous words are the focus of verse 18. The point of verse 19 is that words can be so dangerous that we’re wiser to not speak than to speak too much, while verse 20 contrasts the speech of those with a right heart (which is like silver) against those whose heart is far from God (worthless). Finally, verse 21 describes how proper speech can be like food to the soul. In all of these sayings, we are challenged to carefully consider how we speak. Feel free to contact me with questions or comments. Share with your friends: TODAYS OUR DAILY BREAD.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 19:20:38 +0000
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