2d • Wisdom
Hasty Words
“Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” Proverbs 29:20
Proverbs 29:20 gives a surprisingly strong warning about speaking without thinking. Throughout Proverbs, the fool is described as someone lacking wisdom, yet Solomon says there is actually “more hope of a fool” than of someone who is habitually hasty with his words. Quick speech is dangerous because once words leave our mouths, they cannot be taken back. A few careless seconds can create consequences that last for years.
Proverbs 18:13 says, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Hasty speech often comes from forming conclusions before we understand the whole situation. We hear part of a story, assume motives, and immediately respond. Wisdom has the patience to listen first. James 1:19 gives the same instruction: “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
This verse also connects closely with Proverbs 29:11: “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” Wisdom creates a gap between thought and speech. Not every thought needs to be expressed immediately, and some thoughts should never be expressed at all. Proverbs 15:28 says, “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer.” The wise person considers not only whether something is true, but whether this is the right time, tone, and manner in which to say it.
Being hasty with words is especially dangerous when emotions are high. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Anger tells us to respond immediately, defend ourselves, and make sure the other person knows exactly what we think. Wisdom recognizes that waiting until emotions settle can prevent words we will later regret.
This applies just as much to texts, emails, comments, and social media as spoken conversation. Technology makes it possible to react instantly, but biblical wisdom often tells us to do the opposite. Before sending something written in frustration, it can be wise to leave it for a while, pray about it, reread it, and ask whether the words will actually accomplish something good.
Jesus said in Matthew 12:36, “That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Our words matter to God. Proverbs 29:20 therefore encourages us to develop deliberate speech. We do not need to have the quickest answer or the final word. Often the wiser and stronger response is simply to wait.
A useful prayer is Psalm 141:3: “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Instead of allowing emotions to control our mouths, we should ask God to govern them. A person who learns to slow down, listen carefully, and think before speaking will avoid countless conflicts and regrets. Sometimes a few seconds of restraint can save us from consequences that no apology can completely undo.
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Hasty Words
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