By: Gen. Jim – POW – 12/2/19
There was an old saying that said, “God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth – and that we ought to listen twice as much as we speak!”
I get it!
Solomon, considered to be one of the wisest of men once wrote, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” – Eccl. 3:1. This wise man – God’s wisdom – named one of times: “A time to keep silence, and a time to speak,” 3:7.
I’ve also heard this saying growing up: “He stuck his foot in his or her mouth!” meaning that their words were not wise, timely or, as Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” This wise saying took it a layer deeper: “Like an earring of gold and ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker (words used) to an obedient ear,” v.12.
And, if we press this speak/no speak theme, Proverbs 15:23 says, “A man has joy be the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” How many can do this? Pit v.28a against 28b: “The heart of the righteous studies (contemplates) how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.” That’s not all: “The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who distains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.” vv.31,32.
Peter gives us a bit of wisdom when he wrote: “… always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you…” 1 Pet. 3:15.
Peter’s words refer to the Gospel itself: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His (Jesus the Christ) glory… the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” – Jn. 1:14. The WORD! The Logos (Hebrew)! Jesus was born of a virgin, raised up as a lowly preacher, was crucified but was raised from the dead to purchase eternal salvation from our sins and from the (spiritual) death/damnation that all humans have in Adam. By Jesus’ full and complete atonement, we who believe in Him, repent of our sins, receive pardon, justification, regeneration, effectual calling. We are born again (Jn. 3:3,5), we obtained eternal life thru faith in Jesus the Christ. We were wise; we heard His Word, we confessed (spoken) our sins.
Let us speak the Words of life to the lifeless (Eph. 2:1-10) It is good to hear what the Spirit is saying – we must listen with our spiritual ears: then we can say what He is telling us to others. John “heard… a loud voice…” – Rev. 1:10. We would not have Revelation if John had not listened!