Running at the Mouth

I do not mean to be crude; it's just what dad called it when a person talked and talked and talked: diarrhea of the mouth. Moving on...

Ask yourself a question:
”Am I a fool?”

   A fool does not delight in understanding, 
   But only in revealing his own mind.
   --Proverbs 18:2

Some Bible translations use the terms ‘heart’ or ‘opinion’ instead of ‘mind.’ The meaning of the term found in the Hebrew text of this verse includes the thinking part of a person, the mind; the feeling part of a person, the heart; as well as the will or intent of a person. The term refers to the entire ‘inner person.’

The fool is delighted to pour out his heart and mind. He is ever ready to tell people his opinion. In conversation he is a master at turning attention back to himself. Almost every comment reminds him of his own experience or something he knows, which he is anxious to share. Your trouble ultimately relates back to him. Your good news ultimately relates back to him. Your story reminds him of...him. It is all rather repulsive, perhaps the reason for my dad's description!

Without asking, everyone knows what the fool is thinking. He reveals his heart. He tells whatever is on his mind.

The fool does not spend much time listening, except to fuel his next comment. He has no real desire to gain understanding. He is not as much interested in you as he is interested in you being interested in him. (Our social media outlets provide the perfect opportunity for the fool.)

You won’t be able to tell the fool anything; he doesn't care to understand.

Since the fool will not listen, I wonder if we can learn something from the fool?
Consider:
1. If you talk too much, you might be a fool. This is a good time for reflection.
2. Understanding comes when a person uses their eyes and ears more than their mouth! This might be a good time to...be quiet and listen.

Show a little restraint.
Be wise.