June 1

Someone has said, “it is better to remain silent and let people think you are foolish, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Some people have a problem with not talking enough. They are often afraid that if they do say something, others will either laugh at them or think they are stupid. There are other people who talk way too much. They are the ones who would be wise to listen more and speak less (James 1:19).
When we spend much of our time talking instead of listening, we rob ourselves of the wisdom we may very well pick up from the mouths of those who have something worthwhile to say. In addition, we send a subtle message that we know more than they do, and our ideas are much more valuable than theirs. And when we spend much of our time talking instead of listening, we also run the risk of saying things to others that aren’t worthwhile for them to hear anyway. “Don’t talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow!” (Proverbs 10:19). “Beginning a quarrel is like opening a flood-gate, so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out”(17:14). “Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin...” (17:19). “A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent, when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent” (17:27&28). “Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions” (18:2). “Fools get into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating” (18:6). “The mouths of fools are their ruin; their lips get them into deep trouble” (18:7). “Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them” (18:15). “Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron” (18:19). “Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life” (18:21).
One of the best ways we can demonstrate how much we value the life of another human being is by carefully listening to their ideas and opinions and then carefully contemplating what it is we have to say to them before we say it.