Why is it important to seek wisdom before speaking, according to Ecclesiastes? The Word on Our Tongue Ecclesiastes 10:12 states, “The words of a wise man win favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.” • Scripture draws a sharp contrast: wise speech brings blessing and acceptance, while foolish speech devours the speaker himself. • “Consume him” pictures self-destruction—an unchecked mouth becomes its own judgment. Danger of Unweighed Words • Proverbs 18:7: “A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.” The same theme: foolish talk entraps. • Matthew 12:36: Jesus warns that “men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word.” Eternal accountability heightens responsibility. • James 3:6: The tongue, “set on fire by hell,” can “corrupt the whole person.” Without wisdom, speech quickly spreads harm. Gaining Wisdom Before Speaking • Seek the Lord first (James 1:5): “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God.” • Fill the heart with truth (Colossians 3:16): “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” A heart saturated with Scripture overflows with sound words. • Cultivate discernment through counsel (Proverbs 15:22): “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Listening precedes speaking. Practical Steps for Spirit-Filled Speech 1. Pause and pray—invite the Spirit to guide (Psalm 141:3). 2. Measure words by love and truth (Ephesians 4:15). 3. Consider timing (Proverbs 15:23): “How good is a timely word!” 4. Aim for edification (Ephesians 4:29): build up, not tear down. 5. Accept correction; wise people welcome reproof (Proverbs 9:8-9). Encouraging Examples • Joseph spoke with restrained wisdom before Pharaoh, leading to favor (Genesis 41:16). • Esther waited, sought counsel, and then spoke—saving her people (Esther 4–7). • Jesus often answered with questions or Scripture, revealing perfect wisdom in speech (Luke 20:20-26). Key Takeaways to Guard Our Mouths • Unwise words boomerang with personal harm, while wise words invite favor. • Seeking wisdom means seeking God Himself, the source of truth. • Every word carries spiritual weight; steward speech as a sacred trust. |
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