Text: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
Memory text:
“Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”?
Proverbs 29:20 NKJV
Most people claim that they are listening when they are actually not. If you are truly listening, then you are not speaking at the same time. This is a habit to develop this year in order to turn away wrath. According to our text, we should not speak hastily in the presence of God. Some have interpreted this to mean when we are in the sanctuary. No, you are the sanctuary, for the presence of God is in you (1 Cor 6:19).
The scriptures commend us to slow speaking but censure hasty speaking. The AMP of our memory text says, “Do you see a [conceited] man who speaks quickly [offering his opinions or answering without thinking]? There is more hope for a [thickheaded] fool than for him.”
You are able to choose the appropriate words for every response and consider their implications when you are slow to speak. You can’t avoid offense or diffuse tension when you speak hastily and carelessly.
“In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Prov 10:19). I like the way the CEV puts it: “You will say the wrong thing if you talk too much, so be sensible and watch what you say.”
You must always pause before answering a matter. This allows for a moment of emotional control and discernment, which helps you to respond in the best way. It allows you to think. A person who pauses, prepares himself to give a soft answer through self-discipline.
Sometimes, people who are not listening have a habit of forming their own opinion while someone is still speaking. They interrupt people while they are speaking because they believe that they can read their mind to know what they want to say.
While people who are slow to speaking give opportunities for others to express their opinions during a conversation or in a meeting, hasty talkers take over and shut down every other person who makes attempt to speak, including the coordinator or moderator. Whether they are visitors or hosts, it’s just the same. They believe they have all the answers and have overrated estimation of themselves. They have no brake system, so they can’t slow down! “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.” (Prov 29:11).
Friends, it’s wise to be slow to speak but foolish to speak hastily. Hasty talkers are never out of trouble with people. Worst of all is that fools have more hope than hasty speakers!
Prayer points
1. Father, deliver me from hasty speaking, the tendency to interrupt others while speaking, and every negative speaking habits, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, I receive grace to restrain my tongue and to develop the ‘slow to speak’ habit this year, in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. I pause when speaking to be able to think and use the right words, and I don’t interrupt others while speaking as a mark of respect.
2. I have an effective brake system on my lips and the Holy Ghost speed limit device on my tongue.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng