“The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3 NASB
This proverb was written before social media, of course. I think if Solomon knew about Facebook, Twitter, and the rest he would have either replaced “mouth” and “lips” with “posts” and “tweets” or at least added them with exclamation marks at the end. The number of careers, friendships, and ministries ruined by errant posts, etc. are way too numerous to mention. An ESPN writer has been suspended for a two-word response to a senator’s opinion. A city has lost over a quarter million dollars of support and free healthcare in a needy, low income community from a church because of a pastor’s ‘like’ of a tweet. Personal accountability seems a bit out of control these days. But, is it? I wrote a response to a post yesterday because the post was so misleading, judgmental, and biased… then I deleted what I wrote before I posted it. I think accountability in making public statements, is clearly part of what Solomon was referring to. We as a society have become way too freewheeling with the belief that our opinions are really necessary and important and that they have to be shared, even if we are correct in what we think. Today, let’s practice self-control and bless others with a smile and silence. #BeTheEdge
As Jesus’ younger brother said, “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;” James 1:19 NASB
