Thursday; October 8

Today would have been my Mom’s 87th birthday.  I lost my mother about a decade ago, but many of the lessons she taught me still stick.  When I look back on what she shared with me there are a few things really stand out, but maybe the one keeps being replayed in my mind is, “You don’t have to tell everything you know.”  I think her primary focus was on spreading gossip and telling family secrets, but the more I ponder it, the broader this logic becomes.  It’s more than just keeping confidences, it’s controlling our tongues.  Whether it is choosing not to share stories or not talking when it isn’t necessary, being quiet can be a virtue. 

Long before Elaine Wharton made her appearance on earth, the sage, Solomon, observed, “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19).  Are we willing to do more listening than talking?  When we do, we will not only gain more information, but we’ll also display more wisdom.

         Think About It!

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