Proverbs 29

A fool vents all his feelings,
But a wise man holds them back. v.11

Read chapter 29
Choose your words wisely.  Everyone knows someone who's a talker, someone who always has something to say about a matter no matter what the matter is.   Well that's who the proverb is talking about here.  A fool is someone that doesn't know when is appropriate to hold their tongue.  I often respect more and desire thoughts of those that keep silent for a while as if they are pondering the matter and taking time to listen and digest it all first.  Being wise isn't saying everything you know, it's knowing everything you say.  Knowing with the power of your words you can either build someone up or tear them down.  Your words have the power to praise God and to curse men.  In James chapter three he talks about the tongue being a little member of our body that can start a forest fire; the tongue is a beast no man has been able to tame.  Holding back our words we practice self-control and humility.  Now it's not ever to speak but knowing when to speak for "the heart of the righteous studies how to answer" (Proverbs 15:28).   So don't just blurt the first thing that comes to mind, but take time to listen first and determine if your words will help or hinder the situation.  Practice listening more today and you'll be surprised observing how others choose to use their words either as a fool or a wise man (this includes listening to your spouse, your kids, the news).