The words
“quick to answer” leapt off the page this morning while reading Proverbs 29. Other
translations use “speaks in haste” and “speak too quickly.” I had to
immediately think about how many times I have allowed something to roll off my
tongue before even thinking. Someone says something and an angry spark prompts
my tongue to speak a snide response before my brain can even process what’s
transpiring. The split second the words are out my brain engages and I realize
their impact. The second part of verse 20 was a reminder for me of what God
thinks about my impulsive responses. “There is more hope for a fool” than a man
(or woman) who is hasty with his words.”
OUCH!
So am I
the only one squirming on a hook here? Or have you found yourself in a similar
situation?
God is
not the author of our angry or hasty words. In fact in Ecclesiastes 5:2, Solomon
(the wisest man in the world – 1 Kings 4:29-34) tell us to “let our words be
few.” I also like the reminder found in James 1:19 – 21. The Message paraphrase
says it best:
Post this at all
the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your
tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t
grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the
garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the
Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.
I don’t
want to be considered a fool in God’s eyes. I want my words to have a positive
impact on the people around me. More importantly, I want others to see and hear
the love of the Savior every time I open my mouth. My reckless words will never
show anyone Jesus.
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