He Who Holds His Tongue Is Wise

On a one-to-one basis, Matthew talks freely, but in a group or strange situation, Matthew is quiet and doesn't usually speak, just observe. I think he is wise.

When I was newly married, I was put in charge of a children's camp that was being held at the campus of the Bible College from which I graduated. Unfortunately, because of a lack of experience and a bit of over confidence, I made the mistake of not getting enough helpers. There was over a hundred children and I only acquired the help of one other young married couple. When I was through teaching the children the Word of God, I prayed with them, and then I tried to entertain them by playing games as the adult meeting went much longer than anticipated. When it was over, I was exhausted and slightly dishevelled. I quickly grabbed a hold of my husband's hand — at least I thought it was his hand — and starting walking away — with the other lady's husband!

Several minutes later when I finally looked at him and saw who it was, I turned bright red with embarrassment and horrification. I think he was just as shocked as I was because he didn't try to stop me. However, he was very sweet about it afterwards and wasn't tempted to embarrass me further by teasing me. What made it worse for me though was when I turned around I saw his wife. She was quietly walking right behind us the whole time, and also didn't say a word. At that moment all I wanted to do was run away and hide. Have you ever felt like that or is it just me that does crazy things?

Fortunately, the husband and wife were very understanding, and even though they could have had a hay day with me, they both held their tongues.

The Bible says that a person who holds his tongue is wise.

"When words are many, sin is not absent,

but he who holds his tongue is wise."

Proverbs 10:19 (NIV)

Because the husband was slow to speak, I wasn't further embarrassed. Because the wife was slow to speak, she understood the situation and didn't get angry with me or her husband.

"My dear brothers, take note of this:

Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak

and slow to become angry."

James 1:19 (NIV)