Just Be Quiet

"A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness," Proverbs 12:23. A prudent person is cautious and careful. He looks before he leaps and thinks before he speaks. Prudence is wisdom in action. Maybe that's why you don't hear the word very much anymore. The prudent man doesn't have to tell all he knows but speaks when it's time to speak and by using his wisdom, knows when the time is right.

The prudent conceals his knowledge, not out of fear of man, but out of fear of God. It would be easy to convince yourself you are being prudent when you are just afraid, but wisdom is our guide and the Bible discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. The prudent uses his knowledge as a tool for good, knowing when and where to lay the hammer down. "A word fitly spoken," is beautiful, pleasing, and valuable (Proverbs 25:11). There is power in words, good and evil, and even the right word at the wrong time can, perhaps, not produce the desired effect. Having a heart to heart with a loved one about their health, and needing to make better choices in their diet may be a worthy endeavor. Having that talk at their wedding reception probably won't be received well.

The prudent man thinks about his answer before blurting it out (Proverbs 15:28). In many situations, you don't have to give an immediate answer to a question, and "I don't know, let me think about it and get back with you," is a perfectly acceptable response. Of course, there are situations where you need to be quick on your feet or the opportunity to speak is gone, but it may be better to think a minute before just blurting out the first thing that comes to mind. Some people have a quick wit and naturally have a ready response and a quick answer isn't necessarily a bad one. The wise can answer quickly because they studied the thing out long before you even thought of the question. But it may be better not to reveal the answer, but turn it back to the questioner and guide them to think it through for themselves. Jesus did this often.

The foolish man uses his words like a four year old boy with a hammer, whose goal is more focused on pummeling anything in his path than using the implement for a useful purpose. The fool opens his mouth and lets his words fly. Will his words do good? Will they help? Will they heal? It doesn't matter as long as he can give vent to what's on his mind. His main purpose is to be heard and let fly the words bouncing around his brain. When the torrent of words is released upon society, there won't be much worth hearing, because the "mouth of fools poureth out foolishness." The wisest thing a fool can do in this situation, is just be quiet (Proverbs 17:27-28).