31 Days: Zip Your Lips

 

The one who knows much says little;
an understanding person remains calm.

Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise;
as long as they keep their mouths shut, they’re smart.

The Message translation of Proverbs 17:27-28 doesn’t mince words and it cracks me up. 

Solomon explains if you are wise, you will:

1. Speak little even and especially when you know a lot.
2. Remain calm even and especially when you are mad.
3. Keep silent when you want to look wise even when you’re not.

Aren’t those all the times when you want to talk a lot? 

When you know the answer, you want to talk, talk, talk to show all you know. 

When you’re mad, you want to talk, talk, talk yell, yell, yell to show everyone how and why you’re mad. 

Sometimes to make up for the fact you may not know the answer, you talk, talk, talk.

Proverbs says the wise will do the exact opposite.  Plainly, shut your mouth.

Challenge: My friend Katrina did the Shut-Up Katrina Project this summer for Summer of 7.  This might be a good challenge for us all to take!

 

This post is part of The Nester’s 31 Days Series