Today's Reading - Ecclesiastes 10 & 11

Keep Your Mouth Out of Trouble

The wisdom of King Solomon is renowned in human history. Throughout the writings of Solomon we have an opportunity to learn in the classroom of one of the true geniuses of all time (next to Jesus, that is).

Of course, we know the source of Solomon’s great wisdom – God Himself! In a dream, God had invited Solomon to make a request – to ask for anything he desired. Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge to judge the people fairly and wisely. Yahweh was pleased with his request and granted to Solomon a wise and understanding heart. Solomon went on and became famous for his wise judgments. 

Solomon’s reputation spread to other lands, even as far as Sheba, in Arabia. The queen of Sheba traveled to see Solomon’s glory and riches and to test the depth of his wisdom. The queen was so impressed with Solomon’s wisdom and the prosperity of Israel that she praised the Lord for putting such a wise king on the throne. 

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Solomon wrote most of the book of Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, the book of Ecclesiastes, and two Psalms. Within these writings, he captured for us many nuggets of profound wisdom. Here in Ecclesiastes 10, Solomon makes a wise observation about how one uses their words. He contrasts the “wise man” with the “fool” and tells us that wise words bring approval, but fools are destroyed by their own words. The words of a wise person are gracious and well though out. His/her words are carefully planned so as to bring acceptance and favor. The fool, on the other hand, just starts blurting out nonsense and ends up in self-destruction.

It has been said that, “A wise man speaks when he has something to say; but a fool speaks when he has to say something.” Biblically, this is so true. God has urged us many times in Scripture to control the words that come out of our mouth, and not to just let anything spew forth. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29)

So, how are the words that come from your mouth? Are they good words? Are they wise words? Are they clean words? Are they helpful words? Do they minister grace to your hearers? If not, take a moment now and surrender your tongue to God. Let the Holy Spirit speak His love and truth through you. “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” (Proverbs 21:23)