Day 58 - 90 Days in Proverbs - Whole Lotta Talkin’
Proverbs 10:19-20, 31-32 [NKJV] 19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips [is] wise. 20 The tongue of the righteous [is] choice silver; The heart of the wicked [is worth] little. ... 31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, But the perverse tongue will be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked [what is] perverse.
We all know the children’s adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is just not true. Words hurt. In fact, people who would never throw a punch will excoriate people with their tongues or say ugly things online.
As Christian women, we have a responsibility to control our words, our mouths. We have to be careful and thoughtful about when to talk and when to keep silent, as well as what to say when we do talk. This is true even on social media and maybe especially there because some folks may only know that side of us – may only be able to judge our character by what we put out on social media.
I don’t know about you, but I tend to get antsy with silence and seek to fill silence with words. I am highly aware that the more words I say, especially in an emotional situation, the more risk I have of saying something I shouldn’t. So, I’m trying to stop that bad habit.
But the other extreme is a potential hazard too. We have a responsibility to speak as well. We are not to hold back when it comes to giving kind words and encouragement, or to offering wise counsel when asked. We have a responsibility to offer words of prayer for one another in all situations. Wise Christian women don’t just hold back from saying the wrong things, they have tongues that give out words of “choice silver” and words of wisdom.
If you struggle with finding the right balance, you can join me in praying this: Psalm 141:3 [ESV] 3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! A door is the perfect analogy here, for a door set by God will open and close at the appropriate times. It will open to let out what we should say and close to hold back what should not be said.
The key to balance then, isn’t totally left to the number of words coming out, but to having God guide the flow of those words. In a whole lotta words, there can be sin, as Proverbs 10:19 warns us. But, if our words are regulated by God in us, there can be a whole lotta good coming from them - like hope, peace, encouragement and wisdom, given in the right measure and with the right timing.
Prayer — Father God, Please set Your door upon my mouth. Fill my heart and mind with wisdom and good things to say and help me to be liberal with good. Help me to close my mouth on the words that are not to be given, whether they are not right at all or they are just not right for that time. I want my words to serve You. You’ve given me a tongue that is to present choice silver. Help me to open my mouth with love and wisdom. In Jesus’ name I ask. Amen.
Your thoughts —
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