A Time to Be Silent - Martin Wiles

But the people were silent and did not answer because Hezekiah had told them not to speak. Isaiah 36:21 NLT

“You know what your problem is? You don’t know when to shut up and when to speak up.”

I heard the quote from an actor on television, but couldn’t help but think of a person I once knew. When their name appeared on my smartphone’s screen, I sometimes cringed—especially if I was in a hurry. They tended to ramble. Sometimes I never knew why they called. When my wife asked why they called, I often said, “I’m not really sure.” Telling them I was eating or had company meant nothing. 

Nor was my friend easy to have a conversation with. Sometimes I would call them with news or to ask a question. As soon as I shared what I called to tell them, they launched into a story about someone else who may have had a similar issue to mine. They simply had never learned the art of being silent.

King Hezekiah was ruling in the southern kingdom of a divided Israeli nation. When an Assyrian representative invited the people to surrender to his forces, they remained quiet. The king had told them it was a time for silence. 

I admit there have been many times when I’ve not done much better than my friend. I’ve rambled on, interrupted, or jumped into the middle of someone else’s story.

I have learned many words usually lead to trouble. The rest of the introductory quote went something like this: “That makes you a fool.” 

When we talk more than we should, we'll typically say something we shouldn’t. Perhaps we’ll share a tidbit of gossip. We may let an unkind remark slip. At the very least, talking when we should be listening means we’ll share something that doesn’t have to be shared. Much in any situation is better left unsaid.

When we're never silent, it also keeps us from listening. I continually remind myself that God gave me two ears for a reason. Unfortunately, my tongue seems to get in the way more than it should. 

The people on the wall listened to Hezekiah, but we don’t always do such a good job of listening to God and others. One thing’s for sure: talking and listening are mutually exclusive.

There are times when silence is truly golden. Ask God for wisdom to know when your times of silence are.

Father, give me the wisdom to know when to speak up and when to remain silent. 

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Less Talk and More Wisdom - Martin Wiles

Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. Proverbs 17:28 NLT

“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” Several have said it in various configurations. Regardless of the version, each entails less talk and more wisdom. 

When I was young, I acted foolishly in many ways. One was talking during church. I suppose the church my dad pastored didn’t have a nursery. These were the days when children still cut their teeth on church pews and were taught to remain silent during church. Acting childishly resulted in a trip outside or to a back classroom for a learning lesson applied to the hindquarters.

My saintly grandmother, who didn’t want her only grandson getting a spanking, brought along a pocketful of chocolate candy, silver bells as I called them. Stuffing my mouth with them for forty-five minutes probably wasn’t healthy, but it helped me keep my mouth closed.

Wise King Solomon had a lot to say about when and what a person should and should not say when they did speak.

Less talk promotes selflessness. Life was about me as a youngster—and for some years thereafter. Kids are narcissistic; so are some adults. But life isn’t about us. By reducing the number of words we speak, we learn to hear about what’s going on in others’ lives.

Talking less enables us to actually hear what others are saying. The other person doesn’t stand a chance if we're doing all the talking. Nor can we hear them if we’re silent but mulling over what we will say when they finish talking. That’s called lack of focus—or focusing on the wrong thing. Looking at the person speaking helps us listen and digest what they’re sharing.

Being a person of few words also helps us consider the importance of our words. One of my college professors had an annoying habit of pausing before he answered a question—so much so that I wanted to answer for him. Later, I understood his reasoning. He thought before he spoke—which, by the way, saves from making many foolish statements.

Listening more than we speak opens up opportunities for us to help others. We hear and understand what they’re saying, and then we can speak and act wisely.

Think of ways you could speak less so others can talk more.

Father, give me wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent. 

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Words of Love - Karen Huffaker

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NKJV

If we want to know the real story, we sometimes need to listen to a small child.

What children see is what they tell. They may misunderstand or take something out of context, but we’re more likely to get the scoop on what happened—much to the horror of some parents. Children don’t have a filter in their conversations. When they speak innocently, their words tumble out. They haven’t yet learned discernment, good judgment, or discretion.

I am reminded of the old television show, “Kids Say the Darndest Things,” hosted by Art Linkletter. Kids are still learning about truth and wisdom. Aren’t we all? 

Adults can be like this as well. We often speak before we think. Raw emotions can drive our words, and our thoughts may be one-sided. Grownups usually know the better way to communicate about many things but fail to apply their knowledge in conversations.

If we filter our words and thoughts through Jesus, we will more likely speak the truth with love, kindness, gentleness, and patience. And we will reflect the light of Jesus as we go into the world. This is a work in progress for me, and I have a long way to go.

A coffee filter strains out the grounds and other impurities we don’t want in our morning coffee. Likewise, the counsel of the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures teach us and help strain out impurities in our minds, hearts, and spirits.

Think of ways to better filter your words so that they exhibit God’s love. 

Tweetable: How can you share words of love? 

Karen Huffaker is a freelance Christian writer. She has taught children’s Sunday school and single mom’s Bible studies and written poetry. She is from the Deep South and loves reading Christian books, devotionals, genealogy adventures, fishing, and all things family. She is also passionate about her grandchildren’s sporting events. 

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What’s in a Word? Part 2 - Martin Wiles

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NKJV

The entry for the day stated, “I hate you.”

Brian’s mother loved him, but like many mothers, she also loved to snoop in his room. He was a teenager, and she could remember what she experienced when she was one. Her motherly instinct told her he was keeping a journal, but she had no evidence. 

An expert at snooping, she soon discovered his treasure. It told of his teenage passions, plans, and daily affairs. Then she found a single day’s only entry: “I hate you.” Only after Brian was an adult did his mother confess her snooping. But the words had burned in her chest for twenty years. Brian assured her he meant nothing by them. “Every teenager says that about their parents,” he said.

The psalmist’s desire was for his words—which proceeded from his mind and heart, to be acceptable to God.

Words reflect character. Character is who we are, whether this is who we portray to others. We forge character in the heart. Talk with anyone long enough, and you will discover their true self, priorities, and dreams. When we build our character on a relationship with Christ, others will know.

Words can be pleasant or ugly. When someone’s are pleasant, we’ll enjoy being around them. When they’re ugly, we won’t. Ugly words destroy—reputations and character. Our words can distribute compassion, kindness, love, unconcern, neglect, and hate.

Words can encourage or discourage. We can build others up or tear them down by what we say. No one ever received too much encouragement, and I doubt anyone ever will. The world is a discouraging place, but we can ensure our words circulate encouragement.

Words can’t be taken back. On the “Ellie for Council” episode of the Andy Griffith Show, Andy concluded Ellie’s decision to run for council was silly since she was a woman. Her reaction made him quickly take back his statement. “And it had a bad taste” was his assessment of his words. The trouble was, he couldn’t take them back. Neither can we. Once spoken, words can be apologized for, but their memory can linger for years in a person’s mind.

How can you ensure your words are pleasing in the Lord’s sight?

Father, remind me my words mirror my heart and mind. Make them pure in Your sight.

Tweetable: What do people hear in your words? 

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Dropping the Wrong Word Bomb - Martin Wiles

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV

I have no proof, but a lifetime of experience has shown me the “f” bomb has become more popular.

As a young boy growing up—and even as a teenager—the f-bomb was considered one of the filthiest words anyone could say. Men didn’t use it in front of women, and society looked sideways at women who used it. Using it in public was a big no-no. Anyone who did received a dirty look from friends and strangers alike—and perhaps a tongue-lashing. But now . . .

Two days after Christmas 2019, my wife and I walked across the Skybridge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. As we passed a family who had stopped to take pictures, the father dropped the bad bomb because he thought we should have stayed behind them and waited until they finished.

One day later, my wife and I walked through our local Walmart and encountered two young men walking down an aisle. They conversed with each other—loudly enough for those they passed to hear—and sure enough, one dropped the bomb.

What was once an uncommon word—at least to hear aloud—has now become acceptable. And my jaw dropped when I heard about a local pastor who dropped it one night as he rode as a chaplain with a police officer.

Paul says we shouldn’t let any unwholesome talk come from our mouths, but only what builds others up. Unwholesome includes the f-bomb but also incorporates many other words and attitudes such as bitterness, unforgiveness, and anger—as well as gossip, slander, and off-color jokes.

Our speech reflects what’s on our inside. Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). When our speech comes out with dirty words, it shows our insides need attention.

Any words or attitudes that tear down rather than build up need to go. Dropping the f-bomb has become popular in part because others are doing it. Now it has caught on, become acceptable, and is spreading like a wildfire, which demonstrates how our words influence others.

Instead of dropping the bad word bombs—or any other unwholesome attitudes—let’s drop only those words and attitudes that build up and encourage others. When we do, the world will be a more pleasant place.

Prayer: Father, may the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to You. 

Tweetable: Are you dropping the wrong word bombs?

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Meandering Monday - Speak Less - Martin Wiles

Welcome to Meandering Monday, where we take a trip back to an earlier post and enjoy it again.

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. Proverbs 10:19 NLT

Dan was a man of few words. His brother Phil said even less.

I met both while in my late twenties when I became pastor of the church they attended. When in private conversation with them, Dan would talk while Phil just stood and listened—occasionally offering a comment. In meetings where disagreement ran rife, neither said a word until they had listened to everyone else’s take on the subject. They always worked for unity and actually believed it could be achieved—but with few rather than many words. Dan’s favorite saying was, “There’s always common ground if we look for it.” I appreciated the wisdom they offered in their few words.  

Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, and his tidbits of wisdom about speech can save us from arguments, promote unity, and enhance relationships. Ruling a large kingdom and having hundreds of wives and mistresses, he surely knew a little about when to talk and when to keep his mouth shut.    

Wise lips avoid slander. Slandering others is foolish and never results in anything beneficial. All people have some good in them, and I’ll see it if I look deeply enough. Tearing them down with words only makes us look bad to the person who is listening to our gossip.

Wise lips articulate less rather than more words. The old saying, “less is more,” is true when it comes to speaking. When we talk excessively—and without thought—it is almost inevitable that we’ll say something that should have been left unsaid.

Wise lips speak godly things. What’s on the inside will come out—often in our speech. Making sure our insides are clean before God ensures our speech will be also.

And wise lips give advice that enhances other’s life journey. Life isn’t all about us, and we’re wiser when we encourage others rather than seek praise and approval for ourselves.

When you speak, ask, “Is what I’m about to say kind, necessary, and true?”

Prayer: Father, may the words of our mouths honor You and build others up.

Tweetable: Are you speaking up too much?  

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Walk-on Wednesday - Recognizing God’s Voice - Martin Wiles

Welcome to Walk-on Wednesday. By Hump Day, we are struggling, but we believe a good devotion can strengthen us to finish the week strong. 

So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’” 1 Samuel 3:9 NLT

My cousin and I were simple country boys who loved to romp through the woods for hours at a time.

Times were simpler then than now. No cell phones. No video games. Only our youth and imaginations. Our parents and grandparents didn’t fear someone would kidnap or murder us. We roamed at will as long as we listened for the voice—in our case, our grandmother’s car horn. We may have heard other horns in the distance, but this one we recognized. When we heard it, we listened and obeyed.

Young Samuel assisted Eli, the aged priest, in God’s work, but he’d never heard God’s voice before. Messages from God were rare. But to follow God’s directive, Samuel had to recognize his voice.

Listening to the right voices can determine or destroy our life course. Recognizing God’s voice requires training, just as young Samuel had to learn to distinguish it from the other voices that commanded his attention. In his time, Samuel may have heard an audible voice. Presently, however, we won’t be so fortunate. God speaks through his Spirit to our spirits, so we must learn to hear him spiritually rather than audibly.

When God speaks, what he says will always agree with his Word. Anything we think we’ve heard that contradicts that comes not from God but the enemy of our souls. Just as becoming a good listener takes practice, so learning to listen for and to God also requires the same. Hearing God isn’t an automatic process.

Listening to God also demands silence. Silence is difficult in our busy, noisy world. Even doing good things can steal our listening time from God. Jesus left the crowds for a mountaintop meeting with his Father. He often rose early in the morning to speak with his Father. We must be still and know he is God.

Have you learned the art of recognizing God’s voice?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give us the spiritual wisdom to recognize Your voice so that we might obey Your directives. 

Tweetable: Have you learned to recognize God's voice? 

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Throwback Tuesday - Fewer Words Are Better - Martin Wiles

Fewer Words Are Better

A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Proverbs 17:27

Many words don’t necessarily equate with wisdom. 

One significant writing exercise I teach grammar students is how to write summaries. Summaries are just that. Writing one doesn’t entail putting the entire thing summarized in your own words. That is simply re-writing the article. 

Summaries should be no longer than one third the length of what is being summarized. They should be in the writer’s own words but written as if they are the author of the article. Writing a summary involves developing the ability to pull what’s most important from a piece of writing that contains more than the essentials. Summaries go after the meat, not the fat. Read more...

Tell us how you keep from using too many words. 

Tweetable: Do you use too many words? 

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Throwback Tuesday - Better Left Unsaid - Martin Wiles

Better Left Unsaid

Just because it can be said doesn’t mean it should be.

They come in various shapes and sizes. Some appear overly wide with large lips and teeth to match. Others seem so small as to make one wonder whether they’re capable of functioning at all. Some are attached to flawless faces while others are implanted on faces scarred with physical disfigurements. Regardless of the shape or size or what type of face they’re connected to, all mouths have the ability to do the same thing: speak. And therein lies the dilemma. For while they can be used for much good, they’re often used for the opposite. 

Gene Hackman, in the movie Mississippi Burning, said to his boss, “You don't know when to speak and when to shut up! That makes you a fool!” Read more...

Tweetable: Do you say things that are better left unsaid?

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The Wrong Word the Wrong Way - Martin Wiles

You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. Exodus 20:7 NLT

The wrong word in the wrong context conveys the wrong message.

As a Language Arts teacher and freelance editor, I see students and writers confuse several groups of words. Among them: they’re, their, there; wear and where; let’s and lets; and your and you’re.

My attempted solution to get students to use the correct word is to make them write sentences using the various words in the correct context. Even then, they sometimes continue to make mistakes. 

Seasoned writers occasionally use the wrong word too. When editing their articles, I simply make the correction and move on without telling them. I assume they know better but just didn’t catch the error when proofing their work.

God warned about misusing a word too: His name. Doing so would being punishment.

Dad always taught me that saying the really bad curse word, the GD word, broke this command. So even when I was a rebelling teenager who cussed like a sailor, I avoided that word. Doing so crossed a line I didn’t want to cross. God might strike me dead.

As I matured spiritually, I came to understand there were many other ways I could misuse the Lord’s name without saying that word. Such as not speaking up for God when I encountered situations where I should have. Not reflecting the light Jesus said I was as His child. Instead of correcting friends, or strangers, when they did or said things that violated God’s principles, I kept my mouth shut. I didn’t want to lose friends—or be thought of as a Jesus freak.

I also came to understand I could misuse the Lord’s name in my thoughts. Thinking was just as bad as doing. I discovered this when I read and studied Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. If I thought a curse word, I was as guilty as if I had said it. Thinking words that misused God’s name but substituting another word that technically wasn’t a curse word placed me in the same camp.

Making unwise or sinful choices or walking around with a negative attitude misused God’s name before others too. Doing these things demonstrated I didn’t think God could give me the wisdom to make good choices or that I didn’t really think He controlled my circumstances.

God’s name is holy. Let Him give you the power not to misuse it in your speech or actions.

Prayer: Father, may we keep Your name holy in the things we do and say.

Tweet: How are you using God's name?

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Throwback Tuesday - Taming the Tongue - Martin Wiles

Taming the Tongue

If it can’t be tamed, why bother trying?

I’ve never tamed something wild, but I have trained a few wild domesticated animals. Presently we have a cat named Emma which we adopted from the animal shelter. She wasn’t our first choice, but somehow she found her way into our house anyway. It wasn’t long before we wondered if we had made the better selection. Emma was young and wild, but through scolding, bribing, swatting, and water squirting we have brought her rambunctiousness under control. Read more...

Tweetable: Are you having trouble taming your tongue?

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