The wise man Solomon said, “He who RESTRAINS (châśak: hold back, keep in check) HIS WORDS has knowledge, And he who has a COOL SPIRIT is a man of understanding.” (Pro. 17:27) Talking when we should not say anything can keep us from a world of trouble. Most of us, myself included, have a difficult time restraining our words. This is especially the case when we are being PROVOKED or TREATED UNJUSTLY. Those are the times when we are tempted to speak out of emotion and anything other than a “cool Spirit” That’s when He covers us, and we find refuge.
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself CONTINUALLY GRANT YOU PEACE in every circumstance.” (2 Thess. 3:16) The man who has knowledge and good understanding – will hold back words. He will restrain himself from speaking and from saying what comes to his mind. He may want to say something, but wisdom tells him to keep his thoughts to Himself. The reason for this is found in the second half of today’s proverb. He “has A COOL SPIRIT.” The word for “cool“ here is the Hebrew word qar: to be cool or even-tempered. This word refers to a cold refreshing drink of water – which was thought to soothe the soul of the one who drank it.
Think about this, “Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the PEACE OF GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will GUARD your HEARTS and your MINDS in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:5-7)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham