“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” Proverbs 29:11
Devotional Thought For The Day
This verse is translated with minor variations, but the gist is captured in this version, the ESV. Most commentators understand this in relation to things that are upsetting or angering. A foolish person immediately vents his anger and frustration. Wisdom dictates that we discipline ourselves – count to ten – and consider carefully the whole of the matter before saying something rashly. While it is painful to do so all of us have had to learn this lesson, and there have been many times when we have slipped into this kind of foolishness. It may get somewhat better with aging, if we have worked at this discipline, but the temptations still come – and there are some wicked people who intentionally and calculatingly scheme to evoke such outbursts even from level-headed and wise people, in an attempt to make the wise appear as foolish as they are. This is a grave and insidious evil. Let the wise understand that angry outbursts against such evil, when it comes lurking in unprovoked stealth, is surely justified. [Luke 7:35]
The principle is also applied by some commentators to our general demeanor and relationships in life – that we should be circumspect and very careful in what we are willing to reveal to others of our inward self. Consider the following passages from Holy Scripture. “A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.” [Prov. 12:23] “Therefore he who is prudent will keep silent in such a time, for it is an evil time.” [Amos 5:13] In regard to caution in evil times, consider also the advice of Micah: “Put no trust in a neighbor; have no confidence in a friend; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms.” [Micah 7:5] If you can find an apt confidante, one who is absolutely trustworthy in helping you sort out the difficult dynamics of our inner being, one to whom you may confess freely and be certain of receiving absolution rather than condemnation and recrimination, such a person is as valuable as solid gold. In most of our relationships, even those within which love is deeply embedded and enmeshed, there is some danger in fully venting and divulging all of the realities within us. If they are somewhat frightening and daunting to us they will surely evoke the same reactions in others – many of whom will not understand.
There is one Person to Whom we may vent freely and speak our minds fully – although we might want to do so with proper deference and humility, and that is the Lord. I don’t know how He can tolerate it, but He knows all of the thoughts, intents, feelings, desires, and ambitions of every human being on the face of the earth. If we recognize this we will never be insolent with God, even when confessing our arrogance and anger toward Him. After all, He has taken away the sin of the world, and His blood cleanses us from all sin. He is the only One Who can neutralize the damnable consequences of our sin and foolishness. He alone can unravel all of the contradictions and the tightly woven knots of sin that infest our being. It is unthinkable that we would vent our anger toward Him, but even this foolishness He forgives – as He seeks to draw us more closely to His love. He alone is the One Whom we need not be afraid of – unless we remain committed to sin and rejection of His love, for “perfect love casts out all fear” [1 John 4:18] and “God is love.” [1 John 4:8,16] His character and demeanor then are described in 1 Cor. 13, and we can count on Him to provide only what is good, kind, and blessed for us.
I’m sure that we have all noted at times that there is far too much talk in the world. If we are wise, we understand that this applies to us as well, and we will take care not to add to the human noise pollution. There are other times that we need others to speak to us, to share what they really feel and think – even when we may disagree with them. The same is true for others. As Solomon wrote: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” [Eccl. 3:1] The difficult thing, true and genuine wisdom, is knowing what those times and seasons are for speaking and for remaining silent. May God grant us growth in this wisdom that we may truly bring blessings to others.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, we see Your wisdom displayed in the times when You spoke and revealed our Heavenly Father to all, and when You kept silent. We have read of Your patience in listening to others, even those who had nothing but unbelief, guile, and evil to speak. Forbid that we should ever spew such evil to You or to others. Grant us faith and trust to approach You with all of our needs, especially those of heart, mind, and spirit. Grant us wisdom and protection from our own foolishness, and from those who seek our harm and destruction. Help us to grow wiser in all aspects of life, being, and behaving. Amen.