So my dearest husband has challenged me lately to hold my tongue. I'm beginning to think he is right. There are a few friends I have tiraded at (not a word, I know) recently without really listening to what they have to say or taking into consideration "the needs of the moment". I've also realized that I've become quiet an opinionated blog commenter and that for really big issues there is nothing I could passionately say in a comment string that would ever sufficiently illustrate my opinion. Besides that, why do I feel so passionately that I am in the right? Perhaps it is time for me to close my mouth around a large piece of humble pie and chew quietly for a moment.
Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
Proverbs 11:12
A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
But:
Psalm 37:30
The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.
Psalm 139:4
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
Proverbs 12:18
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Psalm 141:3
Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.
yikes! those verses are convicting! i guess part of growing up in the Lord is learning when we should be quiet and when we should speak up. when you figure it out--clue the rest of us in on it. that is such a tough issue. there are so many times i've held my tongue and later chided myself for being so quiet. and then there are the many times that i have opened my big mouth and should have just shut-up. Lord have mercy upon us all.
ReplyDeleteShane always tells me that I'm too free to speak my mind when I'm pregnant. It happened with both pregnancies. I just couldn't seem to censor myself!
ReplyDeleteSo there's an excuse for you.
In college I started in Proverbs, copying down every verse relating to tongue control. In red ink. I had several pages. And I never finished. Sometimes I think about restarting that. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteJust came across these verses in my Bible study. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
ReplyDelete"Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anyting before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few." Do you think that means we aren't to "tirade" to God either?
I think the name of the club should be changed because it is discouraging people! It's not about the time, it's just about spending time with Jesus...early in the morning before the day begins just helps us throughout the day.
ReplyDeleteWhen do you normally rise? Could you get up maybe a half hour earlier? Come on! :)
Ouch, this hits home. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDelete