Removing All Doubt...

Remember the old saying, "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt?" It seems it has many variations and possible sources. Among them are:

It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - George Eliot

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. - Abraham Lincoln

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt. - Mark Twain

But it seems to find the source one needs to go back to the words of a truly wise man, Solomon.

Those who have knowledge use words with restraint, and those who have understanding are even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. - Proverbs 17:27-28

Now that I think about it, many of our public figures, especially talk radio specialists might heed the suggestion. Some of the propaganda and nonsense they spew is an insult to anyone who bothers to think about it.

And... here's another quote that at least a couple of them may have on their wall.

Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once. - Evan Esar

Finally, maybe we should all heed what our moms taught us...

If you can't say something nice (helpful), just don't say anything at all.

Sounds almost biblical (1 Cor 13:1).

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Speaking of encouraging words, Brice wrapped up his "I Met Jesus" series and Josh Spainhower and Kim Sloat talked about their mission trip to Tanzania. Here's what our worship looked like:

He Lives! (w/ refrain of I’ll Fly Away as a bridge after v 2)

Welcome and Family News

My Life Is in You

Prayer

I See the Lord

Reading: Galatians 4:4-5

Tell Me the Story of Jesus (v 1)

Reading: Ephesians 5:1-2

We Saw Thee Not (vs 1-2)

Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:19-22

Low in the Grave He Lay

Communion: The Body Remembers and Celebrates Bread

Reading: Acts 2:41-47

Come Share the Lord

Lord, I Give You My Heart

Offering

A Mission to Tanzania

Invitation to Children’s Church

God Is So Good

Sermon

Jesus, Draw Me Closer

He Is Wonderful

Shepherd’s Blessing