It
happens to me all the time.
Because
I just want to talk, because I just want to insert myself into any
conversation, because I want to relate and connect and be counted, I frequently
say things that are embarrassing, things that are mean, things that are
inappropriate. Too often I speak and
just like that I wish that I could grab the words right out of the air and stuff
them all back in my mouth and swallow them like medicine.
The wise don’t engage in empty chatter. What
good are such words?
Job 15:3
Your sins are
telling your mouth what to say. Your words are based on clever deception.
Job 15:5
But
of course I can’t do that. Once something
is said, it can never be unsaid. And of
course, once it’s said, it forever becomes a part of you. Who you are.
What you stand for. Others form
an opinion about you, and it is all according to what you say.
Listen to the
filth that comes from their mouths; their words cut like swords.
“After all, who
can hear us?” they sneer.
Psalm 59:7
We
don’t know when our words begin to shape us.
We can’t see into the hearts and minds of others. Did we drift apart because of something I
said? I can’t believe I said that to
them - no wonder they gave me that funny look then walked away. I haven’t spoken to him again after that one
time. I probably shouldn’t have said
that. My comment received crickets. I’m so embarrassed – now I’m the joke. I hope nobody repeats what I just said. I didn’t mean for it to come out that
way. I hope she keeps what I just said
to herself.
With their words, the godless destroy their
friends,
but knowledge will rescue the righteous.
Proverbs 11:9
I
love Proverbs. The words in this book
are simple, instructive, and right. I’ve
always admired Solomon’s wisdom, his use of few words to drive home a
meaningful point. Especially when it
comes to words, one of my biggest stumbling blocks. Isn’t it cute how the one thing I love the
most is also the one thing that causes me the most strife? Then again, isn’t that precisely the lesson?
The words of the godly are like sterling silver;
the heart of a fool is worthless.
Proverbs
10:20
The words of the godly encourage many,
but fools
are destroyed by their lack of common sense.
Proverbs
10:21
The
lips of the godly speak helpful words,
but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.
Proverbs
10:32
I
know that my words bring trouble when I’m counting on them to build me up
instead of relying on God to do so. The
holy spirit tells my heart that it is in the wrong place. I may even pray to God for wisdom like Solomon
did all those years ago.
Give me an
understanding mind so that I can…
know the difference between right and wrong.
1 Kings 3:9
God
answers me just as he answered Solomon, when my heart moves back into the right
place. God always knows when I’m being
sincere. When I’m not just trying to get
out of my sin, when I’m not trying to backtrack, when I’m not trying to cover
it up.
I will give you
what you asked for!
I will give you a
wise and understanding mind
such as no one has ever had or ever will have!
1 Kings 3:12
When
I’m paying attention, God gives me the words.
When I keep my mouth closed and wait patiently, he teaches me what to
say and when to say it. He reminds me that
my words are not important, but his are.
My child, pay
attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words.
Proverbs 4:20
Get wisdom;
develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
Proverbs 4:5
Some people make
cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
Proverbs
12:18
And when I’m humble,
and my heart is aligned with God’s, and I seek him first instead of my own strength
and my own wisdom, I know that I will
always have the right words.
I rise early,
before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
Psalm 119:147
May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my
redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
*******
(all Bible
verses are from the New Living Translation)
Great post and scriptures. I know what you mean when you say, "I know my words bring trouble when I'm counting on them to build me up instead of relying on God to do so."
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Anna! Using the right (and wrong) words has always been an issue for me. It's a constant source of frustration and palm-to-forehead moments.
DeleteMm-hmm. I get that. I love your scripture choices. Kinda makes me want to go take a look.
ReplyDeleteLook up "words" in Bible Gateway and you will find more scriptures about words than you ever knew were there.
DeleteI'm glad you can relate! Well, not really, but it's nice to know that others can nod their heads with me. :)
It's great to compile all these Scriptures in one place. You are not alone, as James says: The man who is able to control his tongue is a perfect man - able to keep his entire body in check. (doing that from memory, so perhaps not word for word).
ReplyDeleteI get into so much trouble with the tongue!
I am the same way.
I know it's my biggest stumbling block - the misuse of words - because it's the one thing I feel the most convicted about when it trips me up.
DeleteAnd though harsh sometimes, I love how James kind of kicks you right in the teeth.