Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 5:1-3
Verse 3 of today's Bible reading says, "As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words."
Many means a lot, an overwhelming quantity.
Our minds can be easily overwhelmed by worries and cares. Dreams help clear confusion and restore peace. Dreams don't usually cause long-term harm.
Foolish words, however, can cause long-term harm. They too, can result from feeling overwhelmed or from trying to say too much. The more we talk, the greater the risk that we will say foolish things.
We should be careful to follow Solomon's advice and "guard" our steps and not "be quick" with our mouths. Whether we are at church, at home, at work, or out enjoying life, we need to consider what we say before we say it.
Why?
Everything we say affects other people. Wise words encourage, strengthen, teach, admonish, and help.
Foolish words discourage, break down, cause confusion, lead to bad behavior, and are useless.
I encourage you to talk to God before you talk to other people, think before you speak, and "let your words be few."
"Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few." Ecclesiastes 5:2
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to have clear thoughts so I can speak only wise words. In Jesus' name. Amen.