"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin."
Have you ever asked yourself, "When am I going to learn to keep my mouth shut?" I have asked myself this question many times. Our text warns us to watch our words. This is good advice. What do I mean? Read on…… Once words are spoken they cannot be crammed back into our mouths. Glib sarcasm is very much in vogue today. We need to remember, however, that when we say sarcastic and hurtful things, we are being poor witnesses for Jesus. We are also being poor examples for our fellow Christians. Sarcastic language can become contagious and can set off a good old-fashioned church fuss. I'm going to admit that I make myself heard when I am in a group of people. One thing that I always take into account, however, is that I need to be careful what I say, because what I say will probably be quoted. I want to be sure that if I am quoted, it will make a positive input in someone's life. If we want to be considered wise, we would do well to hold our words in until what we say can make a positive difference. Proverbs 17:28 puts it in perspective for us: "Even a fool when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding." I've always noticed in deacon meetings and meetings of pastors that the guy who does not talk often and only speaks when he really has something to say is listened to more carefully than others of us who talk a lot. We really need to watch what we say to people. This is especially true when we are feeling "out of sorts." I know that I have to remind myself at these times that I will leave a witness one way or the other by what I say. I try to remember when I want to give someone a "piece of my mind" that I do not have any to give away. We would all do well to remember this. We need to remember that words can really hurt people. Paul advised that when we speak to people we should "speak the truth in love." (Ephesians 4:15) I will close with this little word of wisdom: "It is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt." Just Saying! Bro. Joe
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AuthorDr. Joe Beauchamp is the author of this blog and website. Categories
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September 2021
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