“He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words, And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper). 28Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:27-18 AMP
The Scripture has much to say about the words that leave our mouth. Words are the one thing that can never be removed from memory. Forgiveness can be extended but the lasting echoes of things said linger on and on! Our verse opens with the words “He who has knowledge.” The word knowledge here is the Hebrew word meaning to “have wisdom and skill in judgement.” This means that a person has the ability to correctly analyze the situation and respond appropriately. Many a relationship are ruined by words spoken in the heat of an argument. Remember Psalm 18:19?
“A brother offended is harder to win over than a fortified city, And contentions [separating families] are like the bars of a castle.”
Proverbs 18:19 AMP
The verse goes on and describes the response of a knowledgeable person as “careful.” The word careful is the word meaning to “act with restraint; to stop an action from occurring.” Words can either be a soothing balm or gas on a fire! A knowledgeable person knows how to separate emotion from reaction. One of favorite verses on this issue is,
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken at the right time.”
Psalms 25:11 AMP
Plain, simple yet a powerful statement about the reality of choosing words wisely! I am reminded of the saying, “Remember, God gave you two ears and one mouth, that should remind us of the importance of listening! Notice that our verse tells us that a person of understanding has “a cool spirit, is self-controlled, and even tempered. That can only be said if the Holy Spirit is really in control of our tongue! I love the second part of the verse, “even a fool is wise when he keeps his mouth shut!” We must remember that the source of most arguments is the belief that these issues are personal attacks against us. When counseling, the goal isn’t to see who is right and who is wrong. The goal is to understand what is causing the issue and come to a workable solution that takes the fuel out of the fire. If there is no oxygen, a fire cannot burn! Many times, we are feeding the fire with our words never realizing the damage the fire will cause! That is why the Scripture commands us,
“BE ANGRY [at sin–at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], YET DO NOT SIN; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down. 27And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness].”
Ephesians 4:26-27 AMP
Harboring resentment and bitterness can be a destructive force in your life. Many people today are suffering endless torment because they cannot bring themselves to forgie and release the anger holding them in back! I remember the saying, “holding a grudge is giving another person space in your mind for free!” The Scripture warns us of the power of unforgiveness. Paul wrote to the Colossians,
“So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; 13bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive.14Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others]. 15Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].”
Colossians 3:12-15 AMP
Remember that you have died to yourself and that it is now Christ that is living through you. Corpses cannot be offended! If you are holding unforgiveness in your heart, reach out to the throne of heaven and receive your forgiveness today so that you may be aboe to forgive others! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken