Blah, blah, blah

Great speakers stand out in one’s memory. The words they choose, the way thoughts are combined, and the way concepts or beliefs are communicated to others can certainly be masterful. I have my favorites, as I’m sure you do as well. History has a way of immortalizing moments that were met by a timely, motivating speech, or a spontaneous verbal reaction to a crisis or triumph. Yes, history is full of great speakers.


We like to talk, and why not? Human communication is distinctly unique and designed by God, unmatched in the rest of creation. It’s one major aspect that makes us unique. And sometimes, we like to listen…to ourselves…to much. We love to hear ourselves talk, and Proverbs 18 discusses this briefly, in a two-verse couplet:

“20 With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied;
He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.”   (Prov. 18:20-21)

A satisfied stomach is a common metaphor for something being pleasing, yet focused on self-satisfaction. We tend to get very satisfied with what we say. We say things to others, to ourselves, and then we do it more and more.

But let’s build on some of what Proverbs has taught us thus far. Wisdom, coming from understanding and knowledge, is the product of hearing and heeding instruction. Proverbs 10:19 even told us that with too many words, sin is unavoidable (my paraphrase). Basically stated, a primary source of wisdom is talking less, listening more. And then it stands to reason that this “product of our lips” should actually be satisfying and edifying to others, and not designed to simply please ourselves.

But we are so smart! And if I like what I say, other people should, too! Right??

Verse 21 tells us how destructive this way of thinking can be. Sharing our own opinions can become addicting (those who love the power of the tongue will eat its fruit), and the results can be dangerous. The tongue, our words, can be horribly misused, and yet we can fall in love with those very words. James talks about this in great detail, too.

The wise God-fearer must learn to recognize the power of words, and use them with great restraint. We battle with our flesh. Our flesh is prideful, and we like to be right. We like to let others know that we are right. If we are not very careful, we tear others down with what we say and how we say it. We tend to speak out of a love for ourselves, as opposed to a love for others.

There indeed is a time for us to talk, and to voice our opinions, and we get the chance to practice speaking wisely each day. I pray we ask the Lord for wisdom in how we speak today.

I know we are jumping ahead, but Proverbs 25:11 certainly rings true.

“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.”