Proverbs 29:11 English Standard Version (ESV) A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

No one likes to be called a fool. That is an emotionally charged accusation. What if we see this verse in the light of what is being said here in truth? Spirit in this verse is rûaḥ and can be used in many different ways. The KJV chose to use the work mind, which is another translation.

Another translation says “A [shortsighted] fool always loses his temper and displays his anger,” which is seen as an emotional reaction. Which version of all written brings clarity to our situation at any present time is an emotional reaction by us in that moment. Tomorrow you might feel differently and if God’s Word is working in us then hopefully we will feel differently.

We are emotional people. God created us to be loved and to love. It is directly related to emotions. Love is not our only emotion. Giving in to some of the stronger emotions can cause harm to others that we could regret in the end. Wisdom sees the end result as a deterrent to over reacting to emotional impulses.

Perhaps this is why the AMP includes shortsighted in the description of fool. Actions that are in response to emotions without being tempered by reasonable expectations of outcome can lead to regret. We should choose our words wisely. Once spoken they call upon the hearer to deal with their own emotions and we have lost control of their meaning and intent.

Even when quoting scripture the intent is left with the hearer to find relevant meaning in their situation at that moment. All our good intentions leave us with our words and fall outside of our control. The Holy Spirit will use those words to enact God’s will. What that will might be for another is not for us to say.

Isaiah 33:15-17 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁵ He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, who despises the gain of oppressions,
who shakes his hands, lest they hold a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking on evil,
¹⁶ he will dwell on the heights; his place of defense will be the fortresses of rocks; his bread will be given him; his water will be sure.

Have we ever found ourselves at a point in our reading of God’s Word that there is such clarity that we have no words to offer up? How could we offer any explanation that would make these passages any clearer? So I will add these words.

¹⁷ Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty; they will see a land that stretches afar.

Walking upright brings us to verse 17. Walk uprightly and we have no reason to hang our heads in shame. This allows us to see the King of Glory in all His beauty and exactly how far His outstretched arm does reach.

Meditate on His Word and allow the Holy Spirit to speak more elegantly than I ever could.