Proverbs 18:21

I like this photo. No, not the "laser gun" he is holding. And not because he is the foul-mouthed, action packed Bruce Willis. It's what the picture says:

"Keep talking. Maybe eventually you'll say something that will reverse all the other stuff you just said."

Have you ever had someone say things to you that you wish you could "forcefully" make them retract? I sure have. Words are exactly what Proverbs say they are, life or death.

I would be much more lenient to forgive a smack on the face than ugly, heated words. Once they are out of a mouth, they cannot be taken back. Have you ever said something, that in the midst of those words coming out, you felt instantly convicted to...well, to shut up! I have. And unfortunately, I did not take heed of the warning.

Somewhere in the Word of God it talks about words being like sweet morsels...good while they are "going down." This may be referring to gossip, but we can look at it as speaking out of turn. It feels "so good" while we are saying it..dishing it out..but soon, those words can come and haunt us.

I want the prayer of my heart to be this today: "Lord, let me be really quick to listen and very slow to speak." This is my prayer for all of us. Sisters, we never know what unkind words can do to a person who is on edge. Can I testify?

Around 22 years ago, there was an old friend of mine that had done something terribly wrong to me. I decided to write her a letter "about herself." Years later, we ran into one another.


I was able to apologize to her, recounting how hurt I was. And she replied to me that she considered taking her life after she read my letter. This friend kept a .22 in her purse at all times. Imagine the fear that I felt knowing that due to my own selfishness in "letting her have it", she could have reached in her purse..and that blood would have been on my hands. Even worse, my foolishness could have gotten me killed. I was not saved but the lesson still stands.

It's not worth the gratification of mere moments to cut someone down, or have "one-up" over them to have a quick, poison dipped response. Let our words be seasoned with grace and mercy...and occasionally the salt of rebuke..but carefully weighing it before the Lord. I have made many, many mistakes in this area. I like what one wise sister recently told me, as we chatted about this weakness I have. In the case when I am not sure what response is necessary, she simply said, "When in doubt, don't."



Let's trust God and leave vengeance to Him alone. Let us pray:

"Lord, there are times I want to blast someone with my tongue. I want to give them a good lashing for hurting my feelings or humiliating me. I feel the instant desire to get even and give back to them what they gave out. Father, help me to be like Jesus, who humbled Himself to the depth of humiliation like none of us ever experienced. The King of Glory endured insults, beatings, and accusations..all the way to the Cross. For me. So I could have the power...over my tongue, through the Holy Spirit. Precious Spirit, take control of my tongue. Teach me to weigh my words first, then to speak. Or just be silent. Let this be my act of worship to you today."

XtremeFaith