Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
MEMORIZE: “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding” (Prov. 17:28).
READ: Proverbs 17:27-28
Besides giving your parents joy, a wise fellow is known by his or her ability to control the tongue. Do you know that you can almost tell the story of some people’s life having met them for only 10 minutes? They are so lousy that they cannot shut their mouth for a minute. “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Prov. 10:19). A talkative fellow is never far from sin. If you must keep a distance form sin, you must apply locks on your lips. For not knowing when to apply restraint, a foolish person reveals his secrets even to enemies. Ask yourself: ‘Why do I talk too much?’ Some people talk much because they like noise: they cannot stay quite. If the place is too quite they become uncomfortable. Some talk just because they like to hear their voices. Some talk in order to please the one they are talking with. Some talk to show that they are good arguers or conversationalists. Some talk to show how current they are. Sometimes when some people engage their lips, it is for something that will not edify but can possibly bring judgement on them. Is it wise to bring judgement on yourself?
“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding” (Prov. 17:28). Do you know everyone can demonstrate some measure of wisdom? The next time someone provokes you to anger, just keep your mouth shut. Don’t say a word. Sit quietly. But if the fellow continues to trouble you, quietly leave the scene and keep off for a while. When you do that, you are counted as wise. Similarly, when a lousy fellow comes to gossip to you, you can listen without saying a word and afterwards leave. Or just leave. It is commonly said that silence is the best answer given to a fool. If you use the silence treatment often in dealing with gossips, they will begin to suspect you. They will not know which side you are on. They will become uncomfortable in your presence. Thereafter, they will leave you for other gossip partners. Meanwhile, you will be seen as a wise fellow. Use the silence treatment from today
ACTION POINT:
Write your speech policy which should guide what, how, when, where, to whom and for how long you should talk. Prayerfully apply it.
Bible in One year: 2 Pet. 1-3
My life was transformed by the Open Heavens daily devotional volume 11,2011 'Using the Silence Treatment' message in 2011, and God has repeatedly referred me back to it. Since the start of this month, the Holy Spirit has been impressing upon me the importance of bridling my tongue.
ReplyDeleteThis morning, He reminded me of that message again, prompting me to search for it online. I'm overjoyed to have found it, and I've prayed through it. I've saved it on my notes and plan to print it out and display it on my wall as a daily reminder.
I'm deeply grateful to my daddy , Pastor E.A. Adeboye for this powerful message, which has stood the test of time for me since 2011. God bless you, sir. More strength, Daddy. You'll never know a better yesterday.
Best regards,
Helen Omowunmi.