Proverbs 29:11: A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.
Insight
Mind and spirit are used synonymously for the seat of intelligence. A fool readily pours forth all he knows, regardless of the effect it may have for good or evil. A wise man discreetly guards his tongue, knowing the impropriety of hasty speech. It is not that the fool is more frank and open than he; but mere frankness, apart from care as to what is uttered, is not at all to be commended. It is what makes that pest of society, the gossip and the talebearer. 1
Application
When Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, “Come up once more, for he has told me all his heart.” So the lords of the Philistines came up to her and brought the money in their hand. Then she lulled him to sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. Then she began to torment him, and his strength left him. Judges 16:18–19
Todays Wisdom: When you vent all that is in your heart, it will later be used to destroy you. It is best to pour your heart out before the Lord and let Him minister His love and truth to you.
Motivation
Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, but what is in the heart of fools is made known. Proverbs 14:33
Venting is toxic, repenting is not. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please teach me how to hide Your word in my heart, and to keep my heart from expressing everything my mind thinks.
1. Ironside, H. A. (1908). Notes on the Book of Proverbs. Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Bros.
