Proverbs have a way of saying so much in so few words. In 20 words or less, I can read a Proverb and have sufficient wisdom on which to chew for an entire day. So, I read this proverb today and I thought I would pass it on to you for you to chew on today.
A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
but a wise man quietly holds it back.
– Proverbs 29:11 (ESV)
A fool is defined as an insolent or stupid individual. A fool acts unwisely or imprudently. However, worse than that, a fool does not know any better because a fool lacks self-awareness of his own foolishness.
In Proverbs 29:11, the fool is said to “give full vent to his spirit.”
Instantly after reading this verse I was reminded of a moment a few days ago when I “gave full vent.” I was processing through quite a bit in my life, and I was dealing with some challenging obstacles. As I was dealing with these things, I foolishly decided to verbally processed my emotions all over my poor wife who did not even see it coming. Instantly I regretted it. In fact, even as I was venting, I could hear myself speaking and I was thinking to myself, “Just stop talking!”
Now, of course this Proverb is not advising us to bottle everything up. This Proverb is not advising us to keep everything inside and concealed. This Proverb is not advising us to not seek wise counsel. That would be an unhealthy way to navigate through our lives. But, this Proverb is calling our attention to the fine line between “seeking godly counsel in times of trouble” of the wise person, and the “full emotional venting” of the fool. The reality is that the unbridled release of all of our thoughts and feelings without careful thought, prayer, or wisdom is often harmful, unproductive, and foolish.
In contrast, this Proverb says that a wise man “quietly holds it back”. That is a picture of self-control. That is selflessness. That is wise. That is such a great reminder to us!
If I could rewind the clock and return to that moment a few days ago, I would have acted less foolish, and more wise. I would have done less venting, and more “quietly holding back.” Acting with self-control will not lead to regret, but as I can fully attest, “full venting” often leads a person to wish he had just kept his mouth shut!