Proverbs 29:11 A "pop-off" valve

A fool utters all his mind: but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards.


If you are like our family, many of the household repairs are an exercise in do-it-yourself skills. We try to manage our money wisely, and do maintenance and repairs that we can, on our own. You may do this, too.

Have you ever worked on a water heater? On the side of the water heater is a special piece of equipment, that is extremely important. Plumbers call it the "pop off" valve, or "blow off" valve, or "pressure relief." When the water is heated, it expands, and the pressure inside the heater increases. If things are not proceeding normally (namely, the elements cycling on and off and regulating the temperature and hence, pressure, in the tank) then the water can get too hot and pressure can go too high. The valve will open and let a little water out, in order to keep you, the homeowner, safe.

If the valve were not there, the pressure could build up and the heater could explode. Kind of like the foolish person that Solomon mentions in this verse. He has so much to say (he thinks) and he lets it all pop out at once. Good or bad. Positive or negative. Correct or incorrect.

The wise person, in contrast, keeps it in till "afterwards." Hmmm, after the person that wanted to debate a trivial Bible question has left. Or after the person who was picking a fight over a matter of opinion, not doctrine, has found someone else to talk to. Or after the angry person who just wanted to vent has wound down and become himself or herself again.

Do each of us have our own pop off valves? Our pressure relief mechanisms?

Whether hitting a pillow, counting to ten, or uttering a silent prayer for wisdom, having a pressure relief is an excellent way to keep our temper, and our testimony!

If you feel like leaving a comment and telling us what you do in times like these, please do! Your comment just may help someone who needs a "pop off" valve of their own!