Foolish Speech

 

    There is a wise way to speak and there is a foolish way to speak.  They are the opposite sides of the same coin.  It is not always clear when it will be foolish or wise to speak.  It takes experience, knowing your audience, and the Holy Spirit.  The philosophy behind knowing when and what to say  It can be discussed to the end of time, but ultimately it is your choice.  In this chapter there are 27 proverbs on how to conduct your speech.

    It is foolish to boast.  We do not know the future.  Things may be good right now, but they are not guaranteed to stay that way.  It may make you feel better in the moment, but it could also put a target on your back.  Let others tell you what they see in your character and praise what you have accomplished to avoid pride.  

    When a fool speaks he weighs other people down.  A fool puts unnecessary burdens on people.  They speak in anger and it can be cruel or overwhelming.  They allow jealousy into their role in life which no on can withstand.  It is better to be rebuked a person openly out of love than to love in hiding and watch as a person self-destructs.  An honest person can be trusted, but a fool leads with flattery that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth because it is lies.

    A fool will stray from the home to whatever is appealing.  They will forsake their friends when they are in need.  They treat their spouse with contempt or nagging.  A wise person will help anyone in need without treating them with contempt.  They see danger and will take refuge while the fool will push on and add to their own anguish.  The fool is wayward.

    A fool will bless people for show, but not out of love.  They enjoy conflict and quarreling.  Wise people chose not to be burden, but helps each other sharpen their character.  They work hard for their achievements and you can see it in their heart (aka speech and treatment toward others).  They are attentive to their community helping them grow and taking care of each other spiritually and physically.  The fool leads their life straight to destruction and death.  

Proverbs 27