Discernment and Salvation

“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels” (Prov. 1:5). “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath (Jas. 1:19). "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). “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards” (Prov. 29:11). "And a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words” (Eccl. 5:3). “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him” (Prov. 29:20). "He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction” Prov. 13:3). “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles” (Prov. 21:23).

So there you have it. A lot of talking, and very little listening adds up to nonsense and foolishness, which is not a good prescription for salvation. So many folks just don’t seem to get it: It’s alright to not talk. In fact, according to what we have seen here from the scriptures, it is much preferred by those who are routinely led by God’s Spirit. The scripture tells us that there is "a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” ((Eccl. 3:7). Far too many people are fine with the 'time to speak' part, but prefer to neglect the 'time to keep silence' part. If we can just learn what time it is we'll do well. I think talking less and listening more makes for a good new year's resolution, don't you? [I couldn't resist adding the pic today to show what we look like if we constantly have to be the one doing all the talking.😊] God bless.