A wise person doesn't have to talk all the time.

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

It’s hard to be wise isn’t it?  We like to express our opinions.  In a time in which self is promoted so heavily by the world, everyone wants to be heard.  We want to know that what we know matters.  We believe we have THE answer to whatever is the hot topic of a conversation.  We are quick to speak and slow to think about what we say before we say it.

The problem is, we are often proven to be wrong in what we say.  Without careful thought we often speak without being properly informed.  We are not as smart as we think we are and often put ourselves in awkward situations.  When we talk too much we become exposed.  Our lack of knowledge and understanding becomes evident and others soon tune us out.  Very few people like to be around people who think they know it all.

A wise person doesn’t have to talk all the time.  He is patient and speaks what is truth rather than what he thinks.  He knows the value of keeping quiet on topics he is not knowledgeable enough to speak on.  A wise person listens to what others say so he can learn from them. 

A wise person is even-tempered because he doesn’t need to always prove himself to others.  He understands what he knows.  He understands his limitations and is comfortable with them.  He understands that he doesn’t have to be heard all the time.  He is not hung up on himself and does not have to be in control. 

If you find yourself needing to dominate, take it to the Lord.  You need understanding on why it is important to control your tongue and keep your opinions to yourself.  You need to learn the value of self-control.  Wise are those who don’t open their mouths and make fools of themselves.