A Word to the Wise – by Toni Babcock

The Word of God declares that "Wise men lay up knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction," (Proverbs 10:14 KJV). In stronger terms, the Bible says "A fool's mouth is his destruction and his lips are the snare of his soul," (Proverbs 18:7 KJV). 

What do we take away from this biblical directive? As believers in Jesus, we already know the danger and destruction our mouths can cause someone else, but these bible verses appear to be pointing inward. They seem to be pointing to a sort of self-destruction. I think this is absolutely the case in many a Christian's experience. It happens when total reliance on God and His Word is replaced with yammering about our problems and issues with all the wrong people. People God never intended for us to "share" our issues with. Think about this. If you've ever had the uneasy feeling that you were being talked more about than talked to, or when you were talked to, it was merely a pretext for gathering more information to talk about; then I've got a clue for you. You have been talking to the wrong people.

Try this advice: When something is troubling you, go to God and His Word first in sincere faith and humble dependence. Ask God who it is he wants you to share your concerns with (if indeed He wants you to share your concerns with anybody). It could be He wants you to trust in Him alone to pull you through whatever you feel the obstacle is. Be advised that someone who is ill equipped to resolve your personal issues can quickly become someone who is highly proficient at sharing your personal issues with others. Just a word to the wise.

Toni is the author of The Stone Writer and lives in Minnesota. Contact