This verse reminds us of the power and impact of words. A fool can’t help but talk – and keep talking – until it gets him in trouble and costs him.
When discussing this verse in class, I like to ask if anyone’s words have ever directly led to their being beat up, shot or stabbed? Many hands go up. Arrested? Even more hands. Lost a job? Still more. Ruined a good relationship? Almost everyone! We all know our words are powerful – and can be dangerous to our own good health!
But the rest of the verse also says a wise man’s words can protect him. Wisdom is the ability to see life from God’s point of view and helps us be in the right place at the right time, as well as say appropriate things (and not say stupid stuff!) at the right time. The wise man’s words set him up to be safe.
Wisdom provides good and right words even in the most difficult situations. This is God’s promise to a man (or woman) of wisdom.