I enjoy being around people who, when they speak, others listen. I can remember teachers, pastors, special speakers, and even those who do TED Talks – you can’t wait to hear what they have to say. Wisdom may be encapsulated in a few words, but when those words come forth, they bring an explosion of ideas.
In the olden days, a commercial from my teen years promoted the idea that people listened when a particular brokerage firm spoke.
With all the rattletrap of voices coming across every electronic device, it’s difficult to weed through the voices and find Wisdom.
This morning, I researched the Old Testament Wisdom books – Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. The first four books talked about Words and their usage. 117 times! Though Song of Solomon does not use “words” as a noun, the book is full of Wisdom you can search out on your own.
When Wisdom Speaks, you should stop and listen. What did Solomon say? He opens the book identifying himself as the Son of David. He closes the book with these few words.
The Preacher sought to find acceptable words;
and what was written was upright—words of truth.
The words of the wise are like goads,
and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails,
given by one Shepherd.
And further, my son, be admonished by these.
Of making many books there is no end,
and much study is wearisome to the flesh.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all.
For God will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing,
Whether good or evil.
(Ecclesiastes 12:10-14 NKJV)
Benjamin Franklin said something so long ago that is repeated often and sourced by many voices from many different perspectives. The most famous and recent voice I can find is MLK.
“As we must account for every idle word,
so must we account for every idle silence.”
~Benjamin Franklin
What spoke to Franklin for him to say these words that we still reference today? I mean, Franklin died in 1790! Hundreds of years ago! Right? (Math is not my forte.)
Since I love to get to the root of words, I take this one phrase and dig historically for a source. Solomon talked about idle words (Proverbs 14:23). David talked about being silent until his heart burned hot within him, and then he spoke (Psalms 39:1-3)
At the source of everything we think wise, someone opened the nugget of thought, perhaps another person built on, and finally, someone is recorded using the words.
Whoa… New thought! You’ll not find the words of Wisdom at the footstool of someone who likes to be heard. Wisdom comes from the strangest of places and often is connected to a “gotcha” moment when you need to listen to it the most.
Double Whoa! Don’t follow the crowds. Wisdom can be found in everyday conversation. Not everyone knows your needs, and as they speak, their words may be the Wisdom you need now!
My Thought Today
When we reach the end of life, and final words are spoken about our life, will there be something wise to share that we can all agree came from you? Don’t put off your words and allow them only to be spoken at the end. Use your voice today. Speak Wisdom. Be the E.F. Hutton of your circle of influence.
However, don’t let it only be words you speak…let your actions speak your words more loudly than anything.
“Words may show a man’s wit, but actions his meaning.”
~Benjamin Franklin
That’s why I love Philippians. Paul put some of my favorite words heard into action items.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, … noble, … just, … pure, … lovely, … good report,
if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate [Think] on these things.
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do,
and the God of peace will be with you.
(Philippians 4:8-9 NKJV)