Speech: Should I Talk About It?

Today my pastor led the congregation through the book of Proverbs (and a bit in James) as we explored the topic of "the tongue." There were many good proverbs about speech, and many have been lingering in my mind. I know most of my readers probably read their Bibles regularly (and most go to the same church as me) but here are the verses that stuck out at me, and some of my thoughts about them.

"A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly." Proverbs 12:23

I had the first half of the one from chapter 12 already underlined in my Bible. It is a proverb that has always made me think. Knowledge is a good thing, right? Why should I keep it to myself? Well, the truth is, knowledge is only worth something to the listener if that person was searching for it. No one, if they are honest with themselves, wants to know my opinion on feathered dinosaurs or spider intelligence, or much else for that matter.

"Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue." Proverbs 17:28

Ever notice how those quiet people who never expound any of their vast knowledge and genius tend to be the greatest encouragement to us? When they do open their mouth to tell us what they know, it is really worth saying. It is good to get knowledge (read the rest of Proverbs), but telling people what you've learned is not always appropriate. I guess it is better to just keep my knowledge to myself... but that would defeat the purpose of this entire site. The whole reason for blogging is to tell the world of my knowledge and opinions.

"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions." Proverbs 18:2

Have you ever thought that perhaps we value our own opinions too highly? I don't know about you, but, just being honest, I certainly do delight to give out my opinions. I guess that makes me a fool. Should I lay off blogging? Perhaps I should pursue a quieter life. Maybe when Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians 4:11-13 he really meant it when he said, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with our hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependant on anybody." It seems to be an attitude. Can we blog and keep an attitude of quietness? I think we can.

"A man finds joy in giving an apt reply -- and how good is a timely word!" Proverbs 15:23

I'm so glad that my pastor ended on this note; I was ready to get out the duck tape and forever seal my lips! I started this blog because I felt there was a need for material on these topics from a Biblical perspective. I am to busy to write the books I wish had been around when I was a kid, so I post little bits of what I imagine these books would have been. While it is true that sometimes I start to value my own opinions to highly, and it is true that I probably need to keep some knowledge to myself, there is a need for Biblical literature on earth history, feathered dinosaurs, conservation, and other nature topics. I will be praying that my attitude on this site honours God. "Let God be true, and every man a liar" (Romans 3:4)!