Proverbs 16:23: “The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.”
“Cautious Whispers” is a figurative and poetic expression that suggests carefully chosen words rather than impulsive or reckless speech. Reckless words can leave foolish blisters. “Cautious whispers calm the storms; careless shouting breaks the norms”.
Words unspoken die unborn – Kenneth Haigen.
Prudence is wise caution and good judgment. Words have a ripple effect and consequences. Prudence will make our path pleasant but an uncontrolled tongue will destroy peace, prosperity and purpose. So, it is extremely important to be cautious about what we speak and how we express our feelings especially when we are emotionally fragile.
David fled from King Saul who was plotting his murder and went to the High Priest Abimelech at Nob where the tabernacle of the Lord was placed. He requested Abimelech to give him something to eat as he was on an urgent mission. The priest gave him the holy bread and the sword of the giant Goliath which was safely stored in the tabernacle. This conversation between David and Abimelek was overheard by Doeg the Edomite, Saul’s chief shepherd, who was detained before the Lord in the tabernacle (1 Samuel 21:7). We are unsure why Doeg and Edomite, (an outsider), were detained in the tabernacle. It could be to fulfill a ritual impurity or a religious vow. However, this antagonist, Doeg, the tale-bearer, eavesdropped this discourse and carried this news maliciously to King Saul. Enraged, the envious imprudent Saul massacred all the priests at Nob on the grounds of treason, except Abiathar, the son of Abimelek who escaped the sword.
Exercising prudence is extremely important in a crisis. In a sudden shocking catastrophic event, we must be cautious with our feelings, words and actions. Do not verbalize all your feelings. Be prudent about whom you share your burdens.
Cautious Whispers:
- Vice: When we are hurt, insulted or betrayed, there will be unwise and vice thoughts that pass the mind. Destroy them in the mind with God’s Word.
- Voice: Decipher the voice in your head. Don’t entertain perverse thoughts in painful circumstances.
- Verbalize: We don’t have to verbalize every feeling that passes our mind. 90% of the thoughts that surge in anger are not true.
Words unspoken die unborn.
Prayer: Lord God, help me to be prudent and wise with my thoughts and words. Amen.
Leave a Reply