eFax of Life from CBMC Heartland

Big Mouth

The governor trusted my boss. My boss trusted me. So when reporters from The Minneapolis Tribune contacted the governor’s office to do an interview, I was given the task.

Even though this job with the South Dakota Industrial Development and Expansion Agency was my first since finishing graduate school, I’d been there for over a year and ‘knew the ropes.’ Plus, I’d dealt with reporters and media people through my dad’s business interests.

The morning session went well. The two reporters asked questions about why South Dakota was so successful in attracting new employees, and I gave the right answers. They were cordial. We all were relaxed. And after we were done, I took them to lunch.

Dumb me! I assumed that we were friends. That the interview was over. That our conversation was now ‘off the record.’

Monday morning the governor’s office called. I hadn’t yet seen the Sunday Minneapolis paper. But the governor had. And he was mad!

Your mouth ever get you into trouble? Mine has! And the Book of Proverbs has some great advice: (Find these reference at the Bible Gateway)

  • Proverbs 10:19 - Don't talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow!
  • Proverbs 11:12-13 - It is foolish to belittle a neighbor; a person with good sense remains silent. A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.
  • Proverbs 12:23 - Wise people don't make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their folly.
  • Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.
  • Proverbs 15:4 - Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
  • Proverbs 17:27-28 - A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.
  • Proverbs 21:23 - If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble.
  • Proverbs 26:4-5 - When arguing with fools, don't answer their foolish arguments, or you will become as foolish as they are. When arguing with fools, be sure to answer their foolish arguments, or they will become wise in their own estimation.
  • Proverbs 27:1-2 - Don't brag about tomorrow, since you don't know what the day will bring. Don't praise yourself; let others do it!
  • Proverbs 30:5-6 - Every word of God proves true. He defends all who come to him for protection. Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you, and you will be found a liar.

CBMC Heartland, 02/13/03

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