“Sometimes your best use of language happens when you say nothing at all.”

A thought by Nelson Searcy from his book, Tongue Pierced: How the Words You Speak Transform the Life You Live (p. 44). David C. Cook. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Oh, but for many that can be sooo difficult.

Nelson says, “Do you know anyone who talks too much? Of course, you do. I bet a name or two popped to mind immediately. Here’s something to consider: Would your name pop to someone else’s mind in answer to that question? Could you be accused of running off at the mouth a little too often? Sometimes your best use of language happens when you say nothing at all. There’s immense wisdom in keeping quiet at the right times. After all, God gave us one mouth and two ears for a reason. We’re probably safe to assume that he wants us to listen twice as much as we speak.

“Learning to hold your tongue requires a degree of humility; it takes a realization that your opinion may not be the best or most important one in the room. Often it means letting go of your need to be right. As King Solomon wrote, ‘Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.’ (Prov. 12:15)”

He goes on, “Sometimes we are so busy explaining, proving, and justifying ourselves and our opinions that we forget to listen. As a result, we miss out on the insight of others—insight that may be extremely beneficial to us. Solomon continued, ‘The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.’ (Prov. 12:23)

“Consider these two verses taken together: Wise people listen to others and don’t flaunt the knowledge they have, while fools think they are right and broadcast their foolishness to everyone around them. I don’t know about you, but I would rather be found among the wise.”

Winston Churchill said, “We are masters of the unsaid words, but slaves of those we let slip out.”

Nelson continues, “Learning to hold your tongue when everything in you wants to speak takes practice, not to mention maturity. But again, awareness is key. Start paying attention to your own mouth. Try to be more cognizant of when you should stop talking. Don’t let your tongue be your master; choose to master it instead.”

Don’t you see that holding your tongue would be a good thing to do?

Yes, yes!