Choosing Our Words Carefully

Proverbs 17:27 " He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit."

The Bible has much to say to us about the power of and the misuses of the tongue. James 3 gives us a thorough understanding of just how difficult it is to control our words, and Jesus was very clear about the source of our words, and how ultimately they reveal us.

Given these things, it is not surprising to find that Solomon, exercising his God-given wisdom, also mentions the tongue on numerous occasions. We find one of those mentions here, in Proverbs 17:27. Digging through the two parts of the passage, we find that, typical of Hebrew poetry, they are really one thought expressed in two ways. First, "He that hath knowledge spareth his words". When studied out, we understand that the man who has knowledge is one who is aware of the time and circumstances, who has discernment concerning how words affect not only the hearers but others, and whose wisdom allows him to apply biblical principles to the situation. Given this "knowledge", he speaks little and carefully chooses his words. The second part, "a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit" reinforces the first part by telling us that such a man, one that is aware, discerning and wise, is also of an excellent spirit. His spirit is such that it remains calm under every circumstance. Such a man can be relied on for sound godly counsel, producing light and peace rather than upset and discord.

My mind makes an instant connection between this verse and Proverbs 22:3 and 27:12, "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished." A prudent man, one with knowledge and understanding, will keep his spirit under control and choose his words carefully. In what situation will you find yourself today where the Lord wants you to be such a man?