Silencing Ourselves
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Ever wish you had a handy roll of duct tape for your mouth, so that every time you were about to say something you should not, or share information that is not for sharing, etc., it would automatically be put on your mouth to keep you from sinning?...Yeah, me, too.
Unfortunately, it is not that easy. Fortunately, God has given plenty of scripture to view for examples and commands on speech. I think of Ham, Noah's son, who uncovered his father's sin. Shem and Japheth were wise, loving sons, who avoided snooping into their father's sin, but rather cover it with love--Genesis 9:20-27.
What about David? He could have blasted Saul for his hatred toward him, but rather spoke kindly and respectfully to the anointed king of Israel. Ruth was noticed for her godliness, and was married to a wonderful man due to it.
There are many exhortations on speaking with grace and kindness. The Proverbial woman is known by her trait of kindness and wisdom in her speech. Yet, I find myself all too often struggling with this wicked tongue.
I do find comfort in the fact that I am not alone in this battle. Realizing that there are many verses exhorting Christians, not just women Christians, to watch their mouth brings a sigh of relief. Knowing that I have a great Saviour through whom is the victory is my biggest source of comfort!
There will always be temptations to share "facts," when really they are not needed to be shared. There will always be times when one's anger GREATLY tempts them to lash out with the tongue. There are always temptations to backbite, gossip, use foul "modern" language, etc., because the flesh is wicked and Satan's busy. However, there is a great God and Saviour who equips us women and is ready to do battle for us against these foes!
As I pray for my sisters in Christ everywhere, for Christ's protection over their tongue, would you pray for me, too? I do not want to glorify Satan, but Christ! May I be just like the Proverbial woman when it says:
"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
Proverbs 31:26
May we always remember the warnings of an unbridled tongue, as well as the fatherly commands to keep us in the right speech (and mind)!
"Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue."
Psalm 120:2
"If any man among you seem religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."
James 1:26
"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire of hell...But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."
James 3:5, 6, 8
"For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:"
1 Peter 3:10
The tongue can certainly be a dangerous weapon! I'm trying to remind myself that not everyone needs to know everything, if it's not kind don't say it, and when to draw the line of too much information! I'm also a work in progress. :)
ReplyDeleteYep. I've learned through the years some of its dangers. I've also learned some of the blessings that come when God uses the tongue. :)
ReplyDeleteMy husband reminds me of the same thing: if it isn't kind or edifying, why are you saying it? He's told me to be properly balanced in things, though, i.e. not to withhold the truth based on feelings.
Sometimes it's kind to say something, though at the time it isn't received kindly. Mostly, I've found that prayerful discernment works best, and remembering scripture when speaking. Oh, if I'd just do that more! :)
Yes, I do indeed wish at times I had duct tape to cover my mouth!! I try to remember that I have never regretted keeping silence in certain situations, but very often have regretted speaking. I am trying to (with God's help) learn that it is not necessary for me to give my opinion and put in "my two cents" in every situation and conversation. Sometimes listening and observing, then praying afterward for situations and people, is truly the best thing to do.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder, for letting me know I am not alone in this fight, and for the wonderful Scriptures.
Have a blessed week!
Thanks for the encouragement, Miss Linda! All too often I feel alone in these struggles, but it is very encouraging to know there are others seeking the victory! Will pray for you today. :)
ReplyDelete