Title
Wise Speaking
Scripture
The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.
(Proverbs 16:23)
Devotional
We are not only to think before we speak, we are to learn and gain understanding before we speak. Any fool can spout words from emotions or ignorance. The wise man or woman speaks from informed lips and an understanding heart. We all have opinions, especially with regard to current events. The problem with having these opinions of current events is that they are usually too current to know enough to have an opinion. The same applies to those things that cause anger, disappointments or desires. Before we respond to these things let us first add learning to our lips. Never respond impulsively, unless that impulse if a certainty. And there are few certainties. Wise speaking like a great ship turns slowly and methodically by order of the captain. Listen to the instructions of the apostle James, "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."[1]
[1] James 1:19