“A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.” – Proverbs 17:27
Who would have thought that our level of knowledge would directly correspond to how much we talk? Likewise, who would have thought that our temper being under or out of control is directly tied to the amount of understanding we possess? I am a firm believer that wisdom and understanding have real, tangible results and benefits in our lives and this Proverb lists two more.
The ability to use words with restraint and not spout off every little thing you know is a direct result of possessing knowledge. People that do not possess this ability also do not possess knowledge. Why then would knowledge give us the ability to hold our tongue? Maybe instinctively those with knowledge understand this verse:
“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” – Proverbs 10:19
It’s simply impossible to say much without stumbling in what you say. The antidote is not to watch carefully what you say as it is to simply say less! People with wisdom and knowledge know this. That’s why you can many times gauge people’s level of knowledge based on their output of words. I don’t know about you, but I want to be known as a man of knowledge and understanding, this means that I have to continually work on saying less and less.
It’s amazing, but our level of understanding has an effect on our temper. People with big tempers generally have little understanding and a person with an even temper has greater understanding. People like to think that things like their temper or the fact that they talk too much are just personality, something maybe inherited from Grandpa. The only problem with that is that the Bible says differently! Sure, Grandpa probably did have an explosive temper, but that was due to his lack of understanding, not your genes! Your older sister may be a wonderful person, but she runs her mouth like a motor, revealing her lack of knowledge. Don’t embrace their weakness by claiming as your own one of their major flaws. Instead, ask the Lord for more knowledge and understanding!
If you see yourself in a scripture like this, it’s like playing Cinderella, if the shoe fits, kick it off!
LIFE LESSON:
Lots of people claim character defects as their personalities. Wise people sit by speechless.
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