I shared a joke with my granddaughter yesterday. Why is sesquipedalianism such a long word? I had to look it up first (so did she). It means the practice of using long, sometimes obscure, words in speech or writing. Not exactly what this verse is about but it is most often used in reference to someone who is trying to impress the listeners. There are two clear truths in this verse. The first is reminding us that the truly wise are those who feel no need to impress anyone. They have no need to have others wowed by their insights. I have been in the room with both the wise and unwise and this truth has often played out. Point two reminds us that the wise person can afford to be even-tempered or more accurately “of an excellent spirit” because they understand a lot of what is going on around them. Those who have knowledge and understanding of their Heavenly Father realize they are safely in His care and nothing gets to them without passing through His watchful protection first. This kind of knowledge brings with it what Paul referred to as a peace beyond our understanding. Abraham Lincoln is quoted as once saying, “better to stay silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt”. Interestingly there is another old saying that even a fish would fair better if it just kept its mouth shut. Today stay quiet and listen. #BeTheEdge
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19 NIV
