~Proverbs 4:19

I imagine myself taking a nice quiet walk on a beautiful spring day with the sun glistening through the trees and the beautiful smell from the fresh flowers blooming.  Righteousness shines brightly as we walk in the Lord and His ways.  It cannot be denied as we walk forward in the Lord and His plans unfolded in the Word of God.  This reminds me of a story where one man was able to save his city through the wisdom he had.  Let me share this story with you.  I can only hope you will find the incredible treasure I see in it, as I do every time I read it.

Wisdom is Better Than Folly

I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me.  There was once a small city with only a few people in it.  And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siegeworks against it.  Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom.  But nobody remembered that poor man.  So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength."  But the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.

The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.

Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

~Ecclesiastes 9:13-18

Righteousness grows in us through the wisdom we find in God's Word.  One man in one small city was able to use his wisdom to save his city from being taken over by the powerful king.  He didn't use his super human strength, he didn't use incredible riches, he didn't use his good looks, he didn't use persuasion tactics, he didn't lie, he didn't cheat, he didn't steal; he simply used the wisdom he gained through God.  It is said that the town forgot about him, yet the writer of Ecclesiastes remembered him and found it important enough to write about.  "Wisdom is better than strength (vs.16)."  Will you gain wisdom through the challenges you face in life?  Will you find wisdom in God's Word and add it to your life?

"The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools."

~Ecclesiastes 9:17

Did you notice the author of this Scripture passage used "quiet" words?  Why "quiet?"  Well, all too often we are quick to speak and slow to listen.  The Word of God has shown us that quiet words can change a heart more than words spoken in anger or sarcasm.  Here are a couple verses to show what God wants our words to sound like:

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

~Proverbs 15:1

"…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

~James 1:19

A gentle answer turns away wrath, just like quiet words are held higher in regard as wisdom.  Gentle and quiet are two words God wants us to hold on to.  We should know that people pay attention even when we're not shouting.  Our lives should be reminders of who God is daily.  We should not have to shout or scream at people to get our message across.  If our lives aren't speaking the love of God, then something is wrong.  Something needs to change.

It's time to listen, not time to speak.  Time to listen to what people are saying.  When you listen, you will be able to hear how people are hurting and better be able to meet their needs with God's help.  Be quick to listen to people and slow to speak.  Let God speak to your heart and direct your steps when it comes to loving on others.  Only He truly knows the hearts of His people.

Dear Father God, I pray that I will become a woman of soft words.  One who is able to speak without ever opening my mouth.  May my life speak volumes of who You are and may Your love come spilling out of my pores.  I pray that I will consistently live Your Word out and only use words when it is necessary!

Please Speak Love through My Life,
Sarah