The wise store up knowledge,
    but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

Proverbs 10:14 

Chapter 10 of Proverbs, the first chapter of this section of the Book, has 32 verses. Of those 32, 11 are about the kinds of things we either say or do not say: Clearly, human speech is a very big deal.

Notice here, that we are faced with a contrast between a wise person and a fool – and knowledge and ruin. Nothing is mentioned about the wise person’s speech, but for the fool, his mouth invites his ruin. In my lifetime, I have met a great many people of all backgrounds and personality types. Many of them were wise, some very wise. Many more were less than wise, and some of those were fools. It has often struck me how easy it is to spot a fool; you only need to listen to what they say, and they will tell you what a fool they are. Often, you can tell from across the room; wise people don’t usually shout in a social setting, but fools like to talk over everyone else.

Scripture teaches us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If reverent respect (fear) is where wisdom begins, then the next stop is taming our tongues and getting rid of the foolish talk.

It’s something to think about, something to pray about, and I’ll see you next time, got another Sunday Reflection.