Too Many Words
“I have often regretted speech, never my silence” (Publilius Syrus, Maxim 1070).
My wife thinks that I use too many words. She’s right.
Let me say more about that!
I have always been fascinated by words. I was that strange kid who cried in first grade when he had to give up his reading workbook at the end of the school year. (No, I am not kidding!)
That is strike one.
Also, I am blessed (??) with Attention Deficit Disorder, so I struggle to remember what I just said. (Did I mention that I have Attention Deficit Disorder?)
Steeerike 2!
Furthermore, I am profoundly mistrustful about my own communication skills. I don’t doubt that you are capable of understanding plain English—although it isn’t always so plain, is it? What I am wondering is whether or not what I just said was plain English. So, I keep trying to communicate clearly.
Strike 3! I’m out!
However, the Scripture is even more direct than my kind and patient wife is.
“Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:2).
Jesus said, “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36).
James seems to link talking too much with anger—a linkage which makes me really angry!
“This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).
So, I really need to work on improving my “T.Q” (Terse Quotient). But how to do I go about working on this?
For one thing, I can realize and confess that if the Bible teaches or commands something, it is not likely impossible. What is important to God may be difficult. In fact, it often is. However, it is rarely impossible.
Second, I can change my attitude toward words. Yes, I am fascinated by words. However, that doesn’t automatically mean that I have to use them as much as I do. What is loved can still be used sparingly. “Don’t talk so much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow!” (Proverbs 10:19, The Living Bible).
Third, I can begin thinking a little more highly of my communication skills. I was talking on the phone this morning with a friend. We encourage and hold one another accountable. He prayed for me over the phone, and said something to the effect that I was wise in what I said, and a good listener. My friend is no fool. He is a wise speaker and a good listener as well. I need to start listening to wise friends (including my wife), and become an even better listener by turning off the flow of words.
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