June 29, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 29
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Following Scripture Verses

1. He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
3. Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
4. The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
5. A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
6. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7. The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
8. Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
9. If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
10. The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
11. A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
12. If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
13. The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
14. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
15. The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
16. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
17. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
18. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
19. A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
20. Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
21. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
22. An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
23. A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
25. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
26. Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
27. An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked. .

Today's Pathway:
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"A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards." - Proverbs 29:11

A familiar adage goes like this: "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool then to speak and remove all doubt." This is similar to the idea that the Lord is conveying in this verse. Solomon writes that a foolish man is quick to spew out of his mouth all that he is thinking. I believe that most of us can relate to this. How often have we spoken about an issue when we didn't have all the facts, and found out later how foolish our comments really were? How often have we lost our temper and spoken out in anger at a situation which we did not perceive correctly? How often have we blurted out an answer or a suggestion without taking the time to think through the ramifications of that statement, and soon wished that we had never opened our mouths in the first place? In each case, we played the role of the fool.

Solomon says that a wise man is not in a hurry to speak. He is not anxiously awaiting his opportunity to show off how much he thinks he knows. Instead, he stays under control, and keeps his thoughts to himself until an appropriate time to speak presents itself. This appropriate time may be when he is calmer. It may be when the tension has diffused a little bit. It may be the point in time when he has had the opportunity to weigh all the facts and has spent some time in prayer seeking the Lord's direction. Regardless of when that time is, the wise man is willing to wait until he knows that what he is going to say is not only correct, but will be delivered in a loving, Christ-honoring spirit.

Think back to your last debate, discussion or decision. Were you wise, or were you a fool?

Pastor Mark J Montgomery