Study to Be Quiet

Isn't it interesting how God can bring certain verses into your life?  A few months ago, Jayme had to memorize 1 Thess. 4:11 for one of her classes.  I didn't give it much thought at the time.

Then,an elderly woman in our church who I consider to be a mentor, asked me my thoughts on the verse.  We had a good discussion, and I kind of forgot about it.

Until I realized I was a lazy learner, and began to study what the word of God says about studying.  This verse is one of three in the Bible that uses that word.

1 Thess. 4:11

"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;"

I read that, and reflected back to the other times I had recently been exposed to that verse.  I started pondering.  What was the Lord trying to tell me with this one?

Why in the world do we need to study to be quiet?  That just seems strange to me.  I started digging a little deeper.  According to Strong's, study means: to be fond of honor, to labor, to strive, to be eager and earnest to do something.

Quiet means: To keep still, to refrain from labor, meddlesomeness or speech, to cease, and to hold peace.

And I started thinking...about all the times when I think...I really shouldn't say that.  But I open my mouth anyways.  The whole--open mouth, insert foot syndrome?  Yeah...I really suffer from that! I struggle with just keeping my mouth shut.

I do need to study to be quiet.  I need to stop thinking of comebacks, and stop saying them.

This verse is sticking with me.  I definitely need to practice applying it.

What are your thoughts on this one?