The topic of devotional today shall be grouped into two subheadings for a clearer understanding. There as follows:
1. Think before you speak.
2. Avoid too much talk.
1. Think before you speak:
Have you ever written some long, angry letter to someone that hurts you and ended up crumpling and tossing it out? Or have you type an email and then, before you hit ’send’ button you read it and delete it? Words can be powerful weapons and when we allow unkind and negative words to cause to lose control of our tongues (it could be our pens or keyboards) we are not acting with wisdom that is expected of us by our heavenly father. We therefore, need to pause before allowing the door of our lips to open up; think before speaking. Carefully ‘re-read’ what you are about to say in your mind and then ‘crumple’ up anything that is too harsh or too reactive and replace it with something more positive and uplifting. This is because words are powerful and they can cause us to wound others significantly.
Proverbs 15: 1 says; “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”. A soft answer turns someone’s anger in another direction, because it’s very difficult to continue to argue with someone who refuses to argue back.
2. Avoid too much talk:
In proverbs 10: 19, “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin; but he that refraineth his lips is wise”. And in Proverbs 17: 27 – 28, it is said: “A knowledgeable person controls his tongue; a discerning person controls his temper. Even a fool, if he stays silent, is thought wise; he who keeps his mouth shut can pass for smart” (CJB)
Do you know that it is better to shut your mouth than talk sometimes? Keeping your mouth shut is preferable than saying the wrong things. If your words will be a poor reflection of the Lord or your family and friends, don’t talk. If your words will offend a weaker brother or damage a friend’s reputation, you better keep your mouth shut. When you don’t have all the facts or you haven’t verified the story, don’t peddle it. If the issue is none of your business, keep quiet. When you are tempted to make light of holy things or to joke about sin, shut your mouth. If your words would convey wrong impression or you would be ashamed of your words later, don’t talk. If your words will damage someone else’s reputation, keep quiet. Shut your mouth and save your life.
Prayer:
Oh Lord, my God, help me to think before I speak, and to avoid too much talk and learn to shut my mouth when it is necessary.
(revmrspatienceudenyi@hopealivechurch)