Human utterance

I have been meditating recently on the power of speech and the extreme importance of the careful use of this power.

Say: Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to exert its influence and needeth moderation. As to its influence, this is conditional upon refinement which in turn is dependent upon hearts which are detached and pure.
(Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 143)

O SON OF DUST! The wise are they that speak not unless they obtain a hearing, even as the cup-bearer, who proffereth not his cup till he findeth a seeker, and the lover who crieth not out from the depths of his heart until he gazeth upon the beauty of his beloved. Wherefore sow the seeds of wisdom and knowledge in the pure soil of the heart, and keep them hidden, till the hyacinths of divine wisdom spring from the heart and not from mire and clay.
(Baha'u'llah, The Persian Hidden Words)



Therefore an enlightened man of wisdom should primarily speak with words as mild as milk, that the children of men may be nurtured and edified thereby and may attain the ultimate goal of human existence which is the station of true understanding and nobility.
(Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 172)

He must never seek to exalt himself above any one, must wash away from the tablet of his heart every trace of pride and vain-glory, must cling unto patience and resignation, observe silence and refrain from idle talk. For the tongue is a smoldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison. Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a time, whilst the effects of the latter endureth a century.
(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 264)


Subdue the citadels of men's hearts with the swords of wisdom and of utterance. They that dispute, as prompted by their desires, are indeed wrapped in a palpable veil. Say: The sword of wisdom is hotter than summer heat, and sharper than blades of steel, if ye do but understand. Draw it forth in My name and through the power of My might, and conquer, then, with it the cities of the hearts of them that have secluded themselves in the stronghold of their corrupt desires.
(Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 54)


How does one go about training this power of utterance, using language with skill, potency, eloquence, illumination? It does seem that it depends a great deal on acquiring knowledge. So there is nothing for it but to just keep learning. Knowledge is one things, but how does one acquire wisdom? It strikes me suddenly that wisdom is often acquired after suffering, disappointment and the making of mistakes. Is that true? If it is then it gives me a whole new appreciation and patience for my "sins" and "sufferings".