WHEN THERE IS NOTHING TO SAY, SAY NOTHING.
“He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” Prov. 17:27,28.
Almost Nothing
Tola’s life is summed up in two verses of Judges 10:2-3. He arose, defended, dwelt, judged, died, and was buried. The story not told says,
“Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.” Heb.11:33.
A Few Words for Believers
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:10.
A Little More
Jair, his name means, May Jehovah Shine Forth. He judged Israel twenty two years, “And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had thirty cities…” Judges 10:4.
“Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.” Ps. 11:1-3.
More Words for Believers
“Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Heb. 13:12-16.
Yet a Little More
Jephthah, his name means, God Will Set Free. Not only did the Lord use him to set free Israel from her enemies, but also to set him free from his past. He was disinherited by his half-brothers and had to flee for his life, until Israel needed his help. He spoke with wisdom when the elders sought for his aid.
“And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If ye bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head?” Judges 11:9.
The elders agreed and he rose to lead them to victory when the Spirit of the LORD came upon him. But in rashness or lack of trust in the Lord, I don’t know, but he made a vow to the Lord. He was victorious but it cost him his daughter.
“Be not rash with thy mouth and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” Ecc.5:2.
A Few More Words for Believers
“But the tongue can no man tame; it i.s an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethern, these things ought not so to be…James 3:8-10; If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ: to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”1Peter 4:11.
The Final Word
“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matt. 12:34-37.
What do your words say about your heart?
Meeting Jesus With Donna Stearns 
I think it is not just the words, for words can be deceitful. People can appear different than they really are by their words. But, it is their actions which reveal what is in their hearts. It is our actions which reveal what is in our hearts. And, part of that is our words, too, but we need to look to see if our words match our actions or if our actions match our words. And, there, too, it will reveal what is in our hearts.
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