Kind Words Can Be Short and Easy to Speak, But Their Echoes are Truly Endless

Many years ago a famous singer was contracted to perform at a Paris opera house.  The event was sold out in a matter of days.  The entire city was abuzz with anticipation.  That night the hall was packed with stately dressed men and women eager to hear the much admired musician.  The house manager took the stage and announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your enthusiastic support.  I am afraid that due to illness, the woman whom you've all come to hear will not be performing tonight, however, we have found a suitable substitute we hope will provide you with comparable entertainment."

The crowd groaned so loudly in its disappointment that few heard the singer's name.  Frustration replaced excitement in the hall.  The stand-in singer gave everything she had, but when her performance was over she was met with an uncomfortable silence rather than applause.  Then, from the balcony a child stood up and shouted, "Mommy, I think you are wonderful!"

Once in a while we all need to hear somebody say, "I think you are wonderful."  Why not be the person who gives that kind word of encouragement today!

She opens her mouth with skillful and godly

Wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness--giving counsel and instruction.

Proverbs 31:26

I Regret Often That I Have Spoken; Never that I Have Been Silent

When Western Union asked Thomas Edison to "name his price" for the ticker he had invented, he asked for several days to think about it.  His wife suggested $20,000, but he thought it was too much.

At the appointed time he went to the meeting still unsure as to his sales price.  When the official asked, "How much?" he tried to say $20,000 but the words just wouldn't come out of his mouth.  The official finally broke the silence and asked, "Well, how about $100,000?"

Often silence allows others to say something better than we could have said ourselves!  By keeping quiet, others will have a greater interest in our thoughts; then when we have an interested audience, our words will have greater impact.

The Bible tells us that even a fool may be thought of as wise when his mouth is kept shut.  (Proverbs 17:28).  In that sense, silence can keep us from embarrassing ourselves.  People may think we are smarter than we really are.

When you feel moved to express an opinion, weigh the impact of your words and keep this thought in mind, "The less said, the best said."  We can't get in trouble for what we don't say.  Like Edison, we might even benefit from our silence.

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin; but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Proverbs 10:19