Proverbs 29:11 says:
“A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.”
Another translation expresses it this way: “A fool expresses all his emotions, but a wise person controls them.”
This Scripture reminds us that wisdom is not found in expressing everything we feel. Sometimes wisdom means knowing when to speak, when to remain silent, and when to protect what is precious.
My mother often warned me about sharing the deepest matters of my heart with people I had only recently met. At the time, I believed that if I immediately connected with someone, they must be as sincere and well-meaning as I was. However, I learned through painful experiences that not everyone has pure intentions. Some people will take the personal things you share and later use them against you.
This is why we must exercise caution. Guarding your heart does not mean becoming cold, distant, or suspicious of everyone. It means using wisdom, discernment, and patience before giving someone access to the most vulnerable parts of you.
A connection may feel immediate, but trust should be built over time. People should not receive deep access to your heart simply because they made you feel comfortable for a moment. Allow their character, consistency, and intentions to reveal whether they are truly safe.
Your heart is precious. Give people access to it wisely.
2 comments:
Perfect case in point: Back in the early 80s Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney were close friends (or so they thought). In fact, Paul even did a song with Michael called Say Say Say. During the course of their ‘friendship’ Paul had confided much of his knowledge of the music business to Michael, including how important it was to own the publishing rights to ones music. On top of that he also told Michael that his music catalog was on sale for $47.5 million and that he had planned to purchase it before long (following his own advice about owning the rights to one’s publishing); however, with that little piece of inside info Michael beat Paul to the punch.
What Michael Jackson bought for $47.5 million in 1985 was the publishing rights to 159 or 251 Beatles songs, depending on who's counting. When Paul McCartney wanted to print the lyrics to "Eleanor Rigby" and other Beatles classics in the program for his 1989 world tour, he discovered he'd have to pay a fee to Michael Jackson. It wrecked their friendship because Michael is not willing to sell the Beatles catalog, which is worth hundreds of millions more today. But Paul McCartney only has himself to blame because he had disclosed many of the deep and personal things of his heart to Michael—without truly getting to know him.
Interesting, my mother always says that it is good to keep your mouth close.
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