November 12, 2015

“Then one of the servants answered and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him.” – (1 Samuel 16:18)

“When we are younger, we think we know a lot more than we do. And a lot of times we just blurt things out. But as we get older, hopefully we learn to measure our words. We learn not to always say what we’re thinking. We learn there are inside thoughts and outside thoughts. (Some people don’t get this memo—ever.). It is a good thing to be known as someone who is prudent in speech. That is how David was described, which is a little unusual for a younger man. In 1 Samuel 16:18 we read, “Then one of the servants answered and said, ‘Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him” (emphasis added).

Interestingly, “prudent in speech” means weighing things in the mind and forming a judgment. It is thinking about what you say before you say it. When Jesus was transfigured, Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Him. Peter, who was there with James and John, blurted out, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Mark 9:5). The next verse gives us this insight: “He did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid” (verse 6).

Have you ever said something when you didn’t know what to say, and you ended up saying the lamest thing ever? An old proverb says that it is better to be silent and thought a fool than to open your mouth and dispel all doubt. Sometimes when you don’t say anything, people may think you are very wise. Let them think that.” (Crosswalk Devotions, How to Look Wise – Greg Laurie Daily Devotion – October 13, 2015)

I wish there was a school we could go to that would give lessons on prudent speech. Yes, I realize there are speech classes that still teach high school and college students how to do public speaking. This is not what I am talking about. I am looking for the class that teaches an individual how NOT to put their “foot in their mouth”. For example, I have done the unthinkable – asked a woman when the baby was due, when they were not pregnant. How I needed a class on prudent speech at that moment. I have used inappropriate words at inappropriate times – called someone the wrong name in public – there are so many examples of my problems with “imprudent speech”. It has taken me many years as a pastor to learn that sometimes it is better to be the silent, non-anxious presence than to seek to say words that may prove to be foolish or may prove me to be the same. Let us thank the proverbial advice: “An old proverb says that it is better to be silent and thought a fool than to open your mouth and dispel all doubt”.

Pastor Dave