"Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives; those who open wide their lips come to ruin."
Proverbs 13:3 (NRSV)
Prodigal Thoughts: Oh, I know. No one reading this has to watch what they say, it’s all of the other people. I’m only kidding. There are thousands of quotes about speaking the truth or being honest with your words that I could have used for this post, but sometimes the most simple guard of our mouth could just not speak at all. If truth is needed, by all means speak the truth. I watch my children as they are growing up and there seems to be this need to always be right or to correct someone. Of course, this can cause arguments and fights. I try to encourage my kids to listen. The other person may not always be right, but at least everyone in the conversation can learn something new. Either something about a topic or something about the character of other people. I know for myself, I typically am slow to speak around others especially when I’m not well-read on the topics being discussed. It just takes time for me to listen and to process. (That is a huge part of my ADHD as well.) I guess what I’m getting at here is that it is important to have an understanding when you speak. The understanding that whatever we say should be live-giving and building up others rather than tearing them down. While Jesus did call the Pharisees a "brood of vipers", it seems like all of the conversations we have recorded from Jesus are at least full of grace. For example, the woman caught in adultery or perhaps the woman at the well. Even among his disciples, Jesus spoke in ways that would encourage and build them up. Are we making a habit of encouraging others?
Prayer for today: I pray that we would guard our mouths from things that could tear down or discourage others. That our words would reflect the heart of God, the Father and that He will give us the words to say when we are challenged and tempted to speak otherwise. I pray that the Holy Spirit within us would help to bridle our tongue so that the world around us is drawn closer to the love of Christ.
Need prayer? You can reply here or you can send me a facebook message through the Prodigal Thinker page. If this encourages you, feel free to share it. Feel free to reply with feedback as well. I’m always open to discussion.
God’s grace on you…
Prodigal Mike~
Prodigal Thinker 