September 10, 2008
Don’t talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow. The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of the fool is worthless. Proverbs 10:19-20 NLT
Ouch! This one still gets me every month. Reminds me of James 1:19 – quick to listen, SLOW to speak.
God, this one is hard … so hard. My filter stinks! Please help me learn to be cautious to guard my speech. I want to be sensible. I just need to learn to be quiet … just because I think it, doesn’t mean it needs to be said. And just because there is silence, doesn’t mean I need to create noise to fill the space. Lord, forgive me for my useless chatter. ~ Amen
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Just to let you know, these verses still give me pause every. single. month. I read them and immediately think of Proverbs 21:23 – If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble. (NLT) And also of James 1:26 – If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. (NIV) But I’m learning … it’s slow and with lots of missteps, but I am learning to keep my mouth shut.
What lessons have been hard for you to learn?
Living in the construction zone,
Oh Teri, I appreciate your honesty. I struggle with thoughts just popping out too without being a filtered. Sometimes I find myself talking over other people when they are talking because I just thought of something. It hurts me when I realize what I am doing. Praying that God would slow down my mouth and help my mind be still to listen and speak in a way that honors Him and those who I am with. God bless, Peggy
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"My filter stinks" – mine too friend! Such an area for sanctification!
I do have a hard time keeping my mouth shut. I have been working on this also. Thanks for sharing!
Me, too! As a matter of fact, I recently spent the better part of a week highlighting every verse in Proverbs about the mouth, lips, speech. Sunday morning as I sat in bed going to town with my pink highlighter I overheard my mother (who was visiting) say something that just set me on edge. I walked into the kitchen, opened my big mouth, and cut her to the bone. Why, oh why, can I not control my tongue? She forgave me but my heart still aches over it.
It seems like every time I set out to improve in an area, the enemy blasts me with a thousand failures.