We’ve been amplifying point three in our outline on developing Christ-like communication skills based on Proverbs. Another constructive quality is to be slow to speak, or hold your tongue.
We are prone to speak before we think. Proverbs 18:13 & 17 warns: “He who answers before listening – that is his folly and shame. The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forth and questions him.” So Proverbs 21:23 is right when it says, “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” Put positively, “He who holds his tongue is wise” (10:19).
In 11:12, “A man of understanding holds his tongue.” Why is this so important? 11:13 points out, “A trustworthy man keeps a secret.” “He who guards his lips guards his life” (13:3). Words spoken can come back to bite you, and often hurt others. That’s why “The heart of the righteous weighs his answers” (15:28).
Listen well, think through the issues, and consider the consequences before you speak, because “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint and a man of understanding is even tempered” (17:27). Then, to make the point stronger Proverbs 17:28 says, “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.”
To develop Christ-like communication skills work on the constructive quality of being slow to speak.
