Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and] … – James 1:19 AMP
Growing up, my mother used to say to me, “Your eyes will see, and your mouth will stay silent!” Meaning it’s not everything that one sees or witnesses, has to be spoken about. When I was young, I spoke most of the time without thinking about the consequences to others and on a few occasions got in trouble.
Even though my mother spoke about eyes and mouth, James is giving similar advice but referring to ears and mouth.
This is something I have had to reflect on recently as I got involved in a conversation at work. At the end of that day, I felt bad about some of the things I said. It didn’t matter that the things said were true but what effect did they have on others. I ended up praying for forgiveness, the wisdom to know when to speak and the self-control to be silent. Not every conversation needs my contribution especially if it is not encouraging or edifying.
The Bible gives suggestions on how we are meant to talk as Christians and there are a lot of words of wisdom in the Book of Proverbs:
“The one who guards his mouth [thinking before he speaks] protects his life; The one who opens his lips wide [and chatters without thinking] comes to ruin.” Proverb 13: 3 (AMP)
“He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words, And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper).” Proverbs 17:27 (AMP)
“Fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul … Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18: 6-7, 21 (ESV)
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” Proverbs 21:23 (ESV)
The tongue can be a very dangerous tool, if not used with care as we can see in the Book of Proverbs. And as believers, we need to ensure that our words line up with our actions and what we believe. Most of all, we ensure that our words do not bring dishonour to God.
James had a fair bit to say about the tongue in chapter 3:
“So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! … 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. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” James 3: 5, 8-10 (ESV)
We pray that as we go into a new week, God will put a guard over our lips and our speech will glorify Him. Amen!
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 