Devotion
What does it mean to be wise?
David Jacobs

You may know the phrase said by former president Theodore Roosevelt: "Speak softly and carry a big stick." Roosevelt knew the power of words, and perhaps learned it from the first verse in this proverb. Speaking softly may be considered a sign of weakness by many, but I think it is more likely a sign of wisdom. People that speak loudly or argue too much are hard for me to take seriously. If I accuse you of doing something and you fight me tooth and nail, does that not make me think that you care too much? If anything, the vigor with which you defend yourself makes you seem more guilty. A good example is from the Shakespeare play Hamlet: "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." If you had not done the thing, it would probably not merit much of a response on your end.

As Christians, we must be careful what words we say, how we say them, and when we say them. This proverb focuses on the tremendous power of words: they can heal, hurt, promise, and deceive. The wise speak softly (and arguably carries a big stick) while the foolish spew nonsense incessantly, trying to hear themselves speak. Which are you?

Prayer

How do you think people interpret the way you speak: wisely or foolishly? What can you change to improve?