THE WISE OWL - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2026

Our Daily Bread - Saturday, September 25, 2016
by RBC Ministries

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THE WISE OWL

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In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
-Proverbs 10:19

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Song of Solomon 6-8
Galatians 4

Years ago an anonymous writer penned a short poem about the merits of measuring our words.
A wise old owl sat in an oak;
The more he saw the less he spoke;
The less he spoke the more he heard;
Why can't we all be like that wise old bird?
There is a connection between wisdom and limiting what we say. Proverbs 10:19 says, "In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise."
We are wise to be careful about what we say or how much we say in certain situations. It makes sense to guard our words when we are angry. James urged his fellow believers, "Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (James 1:19). Restraining our words can also show reverence for God. Solomon said, "God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few" (Ecclesiastes 5:2). When others are grieving, our silent presence may help more than abundant expressions of sympathy: "No one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great" (Job 2:13).
Although there is a time to be quiet and a time to speak (Ecclesiastes 3:7), choosing to speak less allows us to hear more. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Dear Lord, please grant me wisdom to know when to speak and when to listen. I want to encourage others and to care for them as You have cared for me.

Let your speech be better than silence; otherwise be silent.

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