Arthur Rubenstein began playing the piano at the age of three. Before he was five years old, he performed his first concert before a large audience. He went on to become one of the world’s most famous and celebrated pianists.
Once, during his career, he developed a difficult and persistent case of hoarseness, almost losing his voice. The press began to release reports that he had developed cancer. As a result of all that was being said, he decided to consult with a throat specialist.
After a thirty-minute consultation, the doctor shaking his head said, “Come back tomorrow, Mr. Rubenstein.” That frightened the pianist and he spent a sleepless night, tossing and turning.
The next day, after a much longer and more thorough examination, the pianist with a frightened look on his face, asked the doctor, “What’s wrong with me.”
“Nothing,” said the doctor, “except that you talk too much.”
Solomon wisely warned us saying, “Don’t talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow.”
Talking is natural and normal, but rarely neutral. We all have opinions about nearly everything and almost everyone we know. Even though most of our opinions and observations are accurate, there are times when they may be incorrect. And even though we think that we may be “speaking the truth in love,” our words may be harmful and hateful, bringing damage or destruction to the lives of others. Better not to speak at all than to speak words that can never be erased and bring pain and suffering to others.
Prayer: Lord, “May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts, always be acceptable to You” and therefore helpful to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent.