Even fools are thought wise
Proverbs 17:28 - The writer(s) of Proverbs never dreamed that their wisdom would find relevance in the age of social media.
“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
Proverbs 17:28 NIV
The writer(s) of Proverbs never dreamed that their wisdom would find relevance in the age of social media. This is a rather short devotional, about a single line of wisdom that more of us should follow.
I must confess to having been a fool on social media for many years. For way too long, I spouted all of my opinions on Twitter (X), Facebook, Instagram, you name it… I was sure that those opinions were not only correct, but that everyone else wanted to hear them! Then I would get angry when someone had the audacity to have a contrary opinion or called me a fool, usually with much stronger language.
That’s what I love about studying the Bible, particularly the wisdom literature found in the Book of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. I’ll read a verse and find what commentators and Biblical scholars who are much smarter than me have said about the words. Then the Holy Spirit shines a very bright spotlight on me, turns up the Voice of God volume to “11”, and I realize that I need to change another part of my life.
Probably about three or four years ago, this conviction from the Holy Spirit started staying my hand from posting my opinions on social media. Guess what? I don’t get into online arguments anymore or have the stress of being upset by having someone take offense to what I say… because I don’t say it anymore.
That’s what today’s Proverb is all about. Sometimes just keeping your mouth shut or your fingers from hitting the “Post” button can make you look like a very wise person indeed!
It’s a virtue to be silent and to exhibit self-control, something that has been forgotten in the 2,500 - 3,000 years since the Proverbs were written. In those days, wisdom was respected, and the ability to remain silent reflected understanding and maturity. At the same time, the culture valued wise speech, as words were considered both powerful and influential. That seems like a contradiction, and that’s where this Proverb comes in. It suggests that even those who lack wisdom can appear wise by choosing to keep their mouths shut rather than speaking foolishly.
In James 1:19-20, the apostle advised believers to follow this advice:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
That’s sound advice from the New Testament to support the wisdom of the Proverbs!
The second part of this Proverb deals with discernment, the ability to judge things well. The author of the Proverbs is implying that one of the signs of discernment is the ability to restraint one’s speech. In Biblical times, leaders and prophets were expected to show discernment, to speak wise words and at the right time. If only contemporary politicians of all flavors would heed this advice…
Other Proverbs reinforce this idea. Proverbs 10:19 also demonstrates that carefully choose what to say (or not to say) is wise:
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
Jesus taught his disciples (including us!) the importance of words and the impact they can have. Just a few days ago, I studied Matthew 12:36, in which He taught us that believers will have to account “for every empty word they have spoken”. I’ll close today’s devotional with the same words you read the other day:
When we fail in our speech as we know we will, we should seek God’s forgiveness, ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to grow in our ability to choose our words more carefully, and become more Christ-like in our communication.
Or sometimes, to just keep our mouths shut and our hands away from our keyboards…
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word. Help me each day to practice restraint in my spoken and written communications with others. Teach me to listen more and speak less, so that I will be viewed by others as someone with wisdom. Grant to me the discernment to know when to share my thoughts and when to remain silent. AMEN.
Amen!!!
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