Scripture
Proverbs 17:27-28 A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.
Observation
Do you want to look smart? All you have to do is keep your mouth closed! This word of wisdom says that a wise person remains silent. They are not always talking. They do not have to always give their opinion on every subject. The only talk when they have something to say, something to contribute. I know a person who acts like a genius on every subject. He thinks he knows everything. People avoid him like the plague. He is annoying. I know other people who have wisdom and knowledge. They do not have to try to impress people. They contribute to the conversation. They help you make good decisions. They come across as intelligent people. The Bible says even a fool looks wise when he is not talking but when he talks he reveals his true nature.
The first thing a wise person does is only talk when they have something to say, to contribute. The second thing they do is keep their temper in check. They do not fly off the handle. They do not lose their temper. They are even-tempered. They are not up and down people. When you come into their presence, you do not have to worry what mood they are in. They are steady and solid.
Application
I want to be wise. I want to learn to keep my tongue in check. I do not want to go around trying to impress people with what I know. It only makes me look foolish. I want to keep my temper in check. I do not want to fly off the handle or be moody. I want to be steady, solid, dependable. I speak only when I can contribute. I want to be slow to anger, slow to speak, quick to listen. Those are great words to live by.
Prayer
Holy Spirit keep my tongue in check. Fill me with your Spirit to the place I can control my tongue. Develop the fruit of patience in me. I do not want to lose my temper with others. Produce kindness and meekness in me. I want to be like Christ. Forgive me for the times I have failed. I have lost my temper and said the wrong thing way too many times. Change me. Make me like Christ. I want to be wise and full of understanding. I do not want to be a show off. I do not want to act like an expert. Keep me humble. I want to be slow to anger, slow to speak, quick to listen.
