Stop and Smell the Understanding

(Proverbs 15:14 KJV)  The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

Today I see a contrast between the mind and the mouth.  The KJV has “heart” (3820).  The NASB is the only translation on my software that uses “mind.”  The word is that one that we use to mean our inner being, the core of who we are.  The mouth, on the other hand, often seems to belong to someone else. 

Think of the contrast in emphasis.  We have all suffered from what someone called “foot in mouth disease.”  I know I have.  I am forced to kick myself all the way home after I have spoken without thinking.  I must first remove the kicking foot from my mouth.

Notice this is not a contrast between the thinker and the doer.  It is a contrast between the one who thinks first and speaks if necessary and the one who speaks without thinking.

So?  Slow down.  Engage your mind or heart, whichever you want to call it.  Make sure that your inner being has been touched by the Holy Spirit so it is in tune with God.  Then allow your mouth to speak.  That will be scary enough for most of us.  People often prefer juicy gossip to truth.