Slow to Speak

As I have been doing some preliminary reading and preparation for our upcoming bible Study on the Book of Proverbs (which you can watch on Channel 1-2, 3:00pm, beginning on Wednesday, October 28th), one verse stood out to me, particularly when rendered in contemporary language: “You will say the wrong thing if you talk too much – so be sensible and watch what you say” (Prov. 10:19). A pertinent teaching for our times indeed, when the popular opinion would seem to be that repetition and added volume magically impart legitimacy to what is being said. That proverb is not alone in its caution against the needless surplus of words. As the Book of Ecclesiastes so poetically puts it; “as a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words”. Clearly when it comes to what we say, quality indeed counts over quantity. Those of you who find yourselves listening to my sermons will be glad to know I am taking note!

building upon this reminder of the importance of mindful and focused speech, The Letter of James helps us to understand what that looks like in a practical sense “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (1:19). Commentating on this, Abbot Philip Lawrence from the monastery of Christ In The Desert, NM, writes “we need to become persons who are aware of the power of words. Words shape us and form us. Words direct our attention and our energies. Words can build up and they can tear down. Even a word of truth can be destructive when it is not uttered in charity and true love”.

The same is true with our written words also. The art of pairing down the number of written words to express depths of emotion and expression has long been perfected with the Japanese poetic form known as Haiku. Traditional and structured, this form is known for its rule of 5/7/5: five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five again in the third. Haikus are known for their ability to paint a vivid picture in just a few words. Their depth and brevity practice are a result of the artistic discipline forcing writers to pare down to only the essentials—making each word, or even syllable, count. Just as with the spoken word, there is a spiritual and reflective vitality in the considered use of the written word. Consider how much is expressed with these examples; “Picking autumn plums / my wrinkled hands / once again grow fragrant” or, “one simple pleasure / a bitter kiss on my lips / good morning coffee”

Beauty, simplicity, insight, love – all conveyed in just a few words as an invitation to allow others to contemplate the same. Do your words make that same invitation to others?

Speak well and carefully / Boldly in love and hope / Living in that echo.

Author Info: Andrew Moore

Chaplain Andrew is the Associate Chaplain here at the Campus. Before relocating to Arizona in 2014, Andrew lived and studied in the United Kingdom. Andrew was ordained in the Anglican church and has worked in a variety of parishes.