From The Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin
Ernest Hemingway is said to have made the following statement: “It takes two years to learn to speak and sixty to learn to keep quiet.”
Whether it was the great American novelist and journalist who actually made the quote, or not, is still up for debate.
However, the truth of the statement seems to speak for itself.
The Bible contains many warnings and admonitions about the folly of talking too much.
Proverbs 17:27-28 says it this way: “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
James, the brother of Jesus, cuts right to the chase in this area in James 1:19: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
We are only a couple of days before we see the ball drop and a New Year begins.
Traditionally, this is a time to make some changes in our lives and go in a different direction.
Sometimes our New Year’s resolutions are made with great gusto in the waning minutes of December 31st, only to fade badly and die out before January is finished.
Nevertheless, endeavouring to talk less and listen more in 2025 would certainly be an admirable trait to pursue.
For some of us, such a shift in behaviour may be a tall ask, but let’s pray and ask the Lord to give us the help we need in this area.
The result will be a benefit to ourselves and everyone around us.
Happy New Year, everybody
