Hasty in Speech

For Friday, March 14, 2008
Proverbs 29:20

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

This is a harsh indictment against a person "hasty in his words," considering the low opinion the proverbs have for the fool. What is it that is so terrible about such a person?

He stirs up trouble. When a fool acts up, he mostly is holding himself up for derision. The person who speaks hastily stirs the water, causing others to become troubled. He makes a smart-aleck remark that cuts. He throughs out an opinion that embarrasses. He draws a quick, false conclusion that slanders. He pretends to have knowledge that in truth is false and misleading. He is hasting with harsh words that wound and offend.

Thus, he continually offends and stirs up trouble. At least a fool is seen for a fool and his behavior has limiting impact. The "hasty" speaker will likely be spotted for a fool but only after the trouble he has caused. And even when his reputation is established, his words remain offensive.

There is little hope for him because he does not connect the trouble with his tongue. He blames others for misunderstanding him, for being overly sensitive, for being judgmental and biased. Even if he does acknowledge the connection, he still does not curb himself. He accepts that he causes misunderstanding, but he "can't help himself." What he really wishes is to be accepted for who he is.

Meanwhile, he talks and talks and talks...