One of the signs of the truly wise is that they know how easy it is to reveal our foolish ways and thoughts by talking. They are aware that staying silent is a great protection against revealing their own foolishness. Solomon has said basically the same thing in other places in Proverbs. Other books throughout scripture do as well. James gets very pointed about the power of the tongue to either poison or heal. Job basically tells his friends to be quiet and in so doing they would improve the quality of their counsel. Rather creative put down. I find that getting wise council can be a challenge at times because the truly wise are slow to offer it. More than anyone else they realize that not everyone is truly interested in it, even those who asked for it don’t necessarily want it. This proverb is basically a rebuke of those who talk a lot, but don’t share much. Today listen well and be silent often. #BeTheEdge.
“If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.” Job 13:5 NIV
