by Mike Bennett

What we say can have a big impact on others and their perceptions of us.

A popular proverb today is “think before you speak,” and that parallels what Solomon was saying here. The wise person doesn’t try to fill gaps in the conversation with just anything that comes to mind. The wise will try to add value—knowledge that will be helpful and right.

But too often the foolish person pours out whatever is on the top of his or her head, whether it is relevant or not and whether it is helpful or not.

For more about right communication, see our section on “The Joys and Challenges of Communication.”