How To Gain Intelligence Even When It Is In Short Supply

“You talk too much!” For some of us who are from the Islands – I happen to be from Jamaica – we would here this expression from peers and or other adults quite frequently. It generally falls within the context of a reprimand.

At times when this is coming from a parent, it would be done in syllables while simultaneously the belt, shoe or some other form of whipping device, is being applied to our gluteus Maximus aka buttocks. It would sound something like this: “You” whack “talk” whack “too” whack “much” whack whack whack. This is where it may get out of control and the whipping device tend to land wherever there is skin. Some parents had very bad aim. 

The point behind all of this was to get us to know when to be silent.

Some adults could use some of that kind of training today. They engage in a war of words trying to win an argument. Others, in their effort to make a case for themselves and discredit others will go on tirades or engage in endless chatter that simply do the opposite. They don’t know when to be silent. Pride could also be the culprit.

Solomon artfully presents the wisdom behind this best practice when he said this: Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. (Proverbs 17:28 NLT)

I have seen some beautiful looking people that would remain beautiful looking people if they had simply kept their mouths closed. The moment they opened their mouths the beauty faded. The beautiful butterfly morphed into an ugly caterpillar.

Learning when to be silent is crucially important. Be intelligent about the matter. Here are 3 ways to look intelligent even if you don’t think you are:

1. Be slow to speak
2. Listen twice as much as you speak
3. Asks more questions to gain insight

What other habits or techniques have you found to be helpful? Please take the time and share within the comment box below. I would love to hear from you on this very important matter.