Nuggets for Living
Even a fish would not get into trouble if he kept his mouth shut!
A person may seem perfect until they start speaking. We can assess someone’s character through their words. As Jesus said, “…out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Our words can reveal our true selves. Although we may try to behave pleasantly, the moment we speak, our words can betray us. Our conversations reflect our thoughts, and what we hold in our hearts influences those thoughts. Therefore, the mouth expresses what the heart is full of.
Therefore, remaining silent can be a wise choice. We should choose our words carefully—speak when necessary, but ensure that our words build up rather than tear down, comfort rather than corrupt, and convey truth rather than boastfulness. The more we speak, the greater the chance of saying something offensive. As Proverbs 10:10 (MKJV) states, “In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” So, silence is not only golden but also wise.
Have you ever considered why God created us with two ears and one mouth? Perhaps it is because He wants us to listen more than we speak. The Bible says, “Be quick to listen, but slow to speak” (James 1:19). Unfortunately, we often are more careless talkers than careful listeners.
There’s a cartoon of a fish caught on a fishing line, with the caption: “Even a fish would not get into trouble if it knew how to keep its mouth shut!” Men and fish share a similarity—they both find themselves in trouble when they open their mouths.
To stay out of trouble, listen attentively and speak less.
Thought: Listen more, talk less!
Leave a Reply