8/29/11 What does one do when there is a “break in the conversation?” When the silence seems deafening? I, for one, too often take it upon myself to fill that void with words---probably more often than not, words classified in the inane category rather than profound.
Flavia de Luce, the 11 yr. old heroine in The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag, (A. Bradley) states “silence is the best primer for a conversational pump.” For me, that rings true. Sometimes I talk just to fill in an uncomfortable silence. But God….has been teaching me that words, for the sake of words/talking is not always a good thing and the conversation that ensues can be utterly worthless. God’s word reinforces that.
There are man’s words. Peverse. (Proverbs 2:2) Flattering and seductive. (Proverbs 2:16) Grievous. (Proverbs 15:1) Gossiping. (Proverbs 26:22) Hasty . (Proverbs 29:20) The outcome of these often impulsive words can damage relationships with both mankind and God.
Reflect on fitting words, (Prov. 25:11) gracious words, (Prov. 16:1) pleasant words, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones, (Prov. 16:24) words of wisdom---few words. (Prov. 17:27)
When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. (Prov. 10:19)
The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone? (Ecclesiastes 6:11)
Wait for His words. Words given by Him. That’s scriptural. (Psalm 119:47)
The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. (Ecclesiastes 12:11)
