Read the transcript from today's video devotional.
Why We Talk Too Much
Most of us, we talk too much—not because we're wise, but because we are prideful. One of the reasons we use a lot of words is because we're always trying to get a point across, and it's actually a sign of insecurity when we talk too much. I think the root of the issue is this: we want to be in control, so we try to dominate the conversation.
A Lesson from the Panel
Let me give you an example. I remember one time I did a panel at a conference, and I remember speaking so much that I was dominating the floor. The Holy Spirit convicted me to keep my mouth quiet. Here's why: because I was operating out of a place of insecurity. I was trying to prove to those around me that I studied and I have something to say.
Wisdom Is Found in What We Don't Say
I think one of the clearest signs of wisdom is not in what we say, but in what we don't say.
Our Verse of the Day comes from Proverbs chapter 17, verse 27. It says, "A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered."
This is Solomon speaking to us in our verse today. He wants us to understand that when we use few words, that's a sign of true wisdom. Let's take this all the way back to Jesus—when Jesus was before His accusers, He kept silent. Being silent is actually a discipline. It doesn't come naturally to us, because we're always trying to prove our point and trying to prove that we're smart enough.
Wounds That Push Us to Prove Ourselves
I've learned in my life that a lot of the wounds that I have, that come from my past, are from when people told me, "You're not smart enough, you're not good enough." I remember someone telling me that I don't have the brains to be a pastor. What that does is it can take me to one of two places. I can either operate out of a place of confidence that I'm a child of God, and that my identity doesn't come from what people say over me—or I could operate out of a wounded place and try to prove myself wherever I step foot.
Honestly, for most of my life I've worked in spaces where I was the youngest, and I've always tried to prove myself. I have to remind myself that my identity doesn't come from what people say about me, so I don't have to use a lot of words all the time to defend myself or to prove that I'm smart, because my identity is rooted in Jesus Christ.
Growing in Confidence
It's one thing to say that, but it takes time to really grow as a child of God and walk in confidence. Solomon wants us to know, if you want to walk in wisdom, you need to use few words. Then he says a person with understanding is even-tempered. That means calm, collected—and that comes out of a place of confidence.
Choosing Our Words Wisely
The next time we say something, let's ask ourselves: are we trying to prove something, or do we need to keep our mouths shut? Sometimes the best thing we can do is just be quiet. There will be moments when we can use few words to build somebody up. Our words need to be used not to destroy or tear down, but to edify and encourage.
