Wisdom Isn't Just About What We Say S2E37
Wisdom isn't just about what we say—it's about knowing when not to speak.
In our series "Tame Your Tongue", we've explored how controlling our speech shapes our relationships. But this week's message revealed a surprising truth: a tamed tongue often remains silent.
We live in a world of constant chatter. Social media, 24-hour news cycles, and endless notifications bombard us. In this noisy environment, the idea of intentional silence feels foreign. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we're called to a different standard.
James 3:8 reminds us, "No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." This reality highlights our need for help in managing our speech.
Solomon, known for his wisdom, repeatedly urged his son to pursue wisdom above all else. Why? Because wisdom doesn't just guide our actions—it directs our speech.
Proverbs 10:19, "When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." True wisdom often leads us to say less. Here are some easy ways to start growing in wisdom.
- Ask God for it daily (James 1:5)
- Pause and pray before speaking
- Surround yourself with wise people
Jesus, responded to conflict in unexpected ways. In John 8, when faced with accusers trying to trap him, Jesus initially responds with silence, writing in the dirt. His eventual words, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone," diffuse the situation. This approach challenges us. In moments of conflict, our instinct is often to defend, explain, or attack. Jesus shows us a better way. In our current culture, speaking truth can sometimes lead to backlash. Here are a few ways we can navigate this tension like Jesus.
- Prioritize relationship over being "right"
- Speak truth in love, not anger or fear
- Focus on living out the Gospel rather than winning arguments
- Seek wisdom in community, not isolation
Remember, our goal isn't to add to a conflict, but to engage it in a Jesus-like manner.
More practical tools for developing wisdom
- Breath Prayers: In high-pressure situations, try a simple breath prayer like "Jesus, give me wisdom" or "Holy Spirit, guide my words."
- Seek Wise Counsel: Identify people in your life who exhibit godly wisdom and learn from them.
- Regular Bible Study: Immerse yourself in God's word to align your thinking with His.
- Practice Listening: James 1:19 instructs us to be "quick to hear, slow to speak." Cultivate the art of truly listening to others.
As we grow in wisdom and learn to tame our tongues, we find ourselves living out the Brookside mission of building Jesus-centered homes. Wise communication fosters healthy relationships, which in turn create an environment where the Gospel can flourish.
Imagine homes where:
- Conflicts are addressed with grace and truth
- Silence is valued as much as speech
- Words build up rather than tear down
- Jesus' wisdom guides every conversation
This vision isn't just possible—it's what God desires for us. As we seek His wisdom and apply it to our speech, we become living testimonies to the transformative power of the Gospel.
Let's commit to pursuing wisdom, embracing silence when needed, and allowing our words (and our restraint) to point others to Jesus. In doing so, we'll see our homes and communities increasingly saturated with the good news.