Proverbs

Stubborn Words

Posted on Dec 30, 2014 by Amanda Stiver, Mario Seiglie Estimated reading time: 1 minute

unhappy young woman — Proverbs: Stubborn Words

“Because of a stubborn fool's words a whip is lifted against him, but wise people are protected by their speech” (Proverbs 14:3, GW).

A person filled with pride will eventually show it in his or her words, and then usually it will bring swift discipline and, often, pain to others. But humble words protect a person from harsh treatment and pave the way for positive interaction.

The old fashioned phrase for stubborn, foolish words is "running off at the mouth." A thoughtless statement spoken hastily and then compounded by emotion and more words. How often have we found ourselves in the middle of this kind of situation?

The proverbs provide a wise antidote, "A soft answer turns away wrath..." (Proverbs 15:1, NKJV). Humility and soft words make for better inter-personal communication.

How can you prepare your thinking now in order to answer with humility in the future?

Youth

Amanda Stiver
Amanda Stiver graduated from the Robert D. Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon.
Mario Seiglie
United Church of God Pastor
Mr. Seiglie was born in Havana, Cuba, and came to the United States when he was a child. He found out about the Church when he was 17 from a Church member in high school. He went to Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas, and in Pasadena, California, graduating with degrees in theology and Spanish. He serves as the pastor of the Garden Grove, CA UCG congregation and serves in the Spanish speaking areas of South America. He also writes for the Beyond Today magazine and currently serves on the UCG Council of Elders. He and his wife, Caty, have four grown daughters, and grandchildren.