Sunday Drive - Words With Restraint

Using words with restraint is one of the most difficult things for me to do... and I'm sure that I'm not the only one.  We can do so much good and so much bad with the words we say. 

Proverbs 18:20-21(NLT)
Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. 21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

I will tell you from first hand experience, that I have reaped those consequences, both life and death. Many times, I feel as if I've brought life to someone. Yet, so many other times, I wish I would have used some restraint with my words.

Lord, help me follow the example of David.

Psalms 141:3(NIV)
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Why is controlling the tongue so incredibly difficult? I wish I had an answer, I just know how deadly it can be. We need the help of The Lord to control our mouths. 

The words we speak are just an extension of our thoughts. Just because something enters our mind doesn't mean it needs to exit our mouth. 

We need to remember these wise words found in Proverbs.

Proverbs 17:27(NIV)
The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

Sometimes, it's best to just stay silent. Remember your mom saying,"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." We've all heard that saying, but we don't necessary follow that excellent advice. It still works today for children as well as adults.

Ask The Lord to think and speak through you. Ask Him to influence your thoughts and words, that they will be pleasing to Him. I'm praying that the next time I'm tempted to say something that could be unkind or thoughtless, that I will use restraint. Lord, I need Your help!

Proverbs 16:24(NKJV)
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

Blessings,
Lori