The other day I was wanting to complain about something I did not like. Then as the day progressed, something ‘unfair’ cropped up. Irritated, yes most definitely. After that, I had an opportunity to make a few statements that gave my opinion, my perceptions of how things should be or could be.
It was then, in that moment, that I realized I had an even bigger opportunity.
The opportunity NOT to speak.
The scripture that comes to mind immediately for me is Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
But what I discovered was Proverbs 18:20 (the verse before the one most often quoted): From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
What I take in, will satisfy my stomach. Feel full. Satiate.
Depending on what I take in, will be what I speak. It brings life and health to me or disease and destruction. Both satisfy-either bitter or sweet.
There is power in not speaking. It saves others from my own thoughts that spill out. When to speak and when not to speak that is the question.
What was my motive? Was it for another to hear my side? Was it to blame another? Make myself look better? Even if I have a right to share my side of things, should I? Did it cover someone else’s offense? Did it diffuse and make better a situation?
What about my feelings?
Did I take it to the Lord first? Or another?
Psalm 141:1-3 O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you! Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice! Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!
Matt 22:39 Love your neighbor as yourself.
I certainly don’t want to be discussed in a negative light. I certainly don’t want to be a part of anything that could be considered gossip (yes, I have).
James 3:8-9 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
If this tongue, is going to speak, how do I tame it…it’s SO hard….
Whatever I put in is what will come out!
Philippians 4:5-8 Let your reasonableness(gentleness, mild, forbearing, fair, moderate) be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Well living Philippians out would take care of most things. Reasonableness! If I can’t be reasonable, I probably shouldn’t speak.
Let’s see next, if I am anxious, go to God and make my request known, not my best friend. After that, God’s peace, will guard my heart and mind (what I am taking in). Without peace, again probably not wise to speak. Without peace, it’s more likely a rant. When should I share about something I am wrestling? D0 I know and think on what is true, what is pure, what is commendable, what is worthy of praise…..these things will bring clarity to the situation.
There have been a few times, I wish even more, where I was in a heated discussion, and both parties realized how ridiculous it is, burst into laughter and the whole thing was diffused in an instant.
Thinking first about another, who they are and how God sees them, where they are, changes hearts. Mine.