When Holding Back Is Strength
Ever say something you wish you could take back? A comment fired off in anger, a point you had to win, the words that left your mouth a half-second before your brain caught up. There's a reason that men let their mouths get them in trouble.
Our host this week, Daniel Burgos, wraps up the week in Proverbs with a hard look at the tongue, why the more we talk, the more we slip, and why learning to hold back is a mark of real maturity, not weakness. We'll explain why Proverbs 10 lands on something most men never think of as strength - and how to stop letting your verbal slip-ups ruin your day.
If you've ever damaged a conversation with your spouse, a friend, or a brother because you spoke before you listened, this one hits close to home.
Verse of the Day: Proverbs 10:19
Your Daily Man-Up Challenge
Try to listen twice as much as you speak today. See if you can go the entire day without interrupting anyone.
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Gentlemen, every day is a battle. A battle for your faith, your family, and your purpose. The men who stand strong don't prepare when the battle arrives, they prepare before it begins. Welcome to the men's morning devotional. Let's get into God's word. It's time to man up.
SPEAKER_00Welcome to the final episode of the week. This is the men's morning devotional, and I'm Danny Burgos. If you missed any of our episodes, just go back and listen. We've been going through the book of Proverbs. It's been such a great experience, so just go back and check it out. Here's your man up moment for the day. Sometimes the wisest speech we can make is the one we choose not to say. Proverbs chapter 10, verse 19 says, When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? I have. Maybe it was spoken out of anger, frustration, or simply because you talked before you thought. We've all been there. That's why Proverbs gives us this simple but powerful reminder. When words are many, sin is not absent. But he who holds his tongue is wise. The more we talk, the easier it is to say something we regret. Let me say that again. The more we talk, the easier it is to say something we regret. Sometimes we feel like we always need to have the last word or prove our point. Other times we speak without really listening. But wisdom teaches us that not every thought needs to be spoken, and not every argument needs our opinion. Learning to control our tongue is a sign of maturity. It shows patience, self-control, and respect for the people around us. In many situations, listening carefully is far more valuable than speaking quickly. Our words have the power to encourage or discourage, to heal or to hurt, to build trust or to tear it down. That's why we should ask ourselves before we speak. Is that what I'm about to say true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? When we allow God to guide our words, our conversations begin to change. We become slower to speak, quicker to listen, and more careful with the way we respond. And I'm sure we want this for our lives. I'm sure we want to have conversations with our spouses, with our friends, with the people in our church, and be able to listen to their needs, listen to what they're going through, and then after listening, be able to speak, but speak in truth. Say something that is really guided by the Holy Spirit, and in doing that, we avoid a lot of unnecessary conflict and regret. So let's be wise, man. Let's listen. Even when it's challenging, even in the middle of an argument, let's stop for a second and listen. Here's your man up challenge. Try to listen twice as much as you speak today. See if you can go the whole day without interrupting anyone. Let's pray. Father, please help me control my words today. Give me the strength to hold my tongue when I'm angry or talking too much. Give me wisdom and let my words bring joy to others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
SPEAKER_01All right, gentlemen, you've heard God's word. Now go live it. Lead well, stand strong, honor God in everything you do. Share this devotional with another brother. Remember, every day is another opportunity to man up.