Loose Lips Sink Ships

Loose Lips Sink Ships

There is much to be said about the danger of the tongue. Believe me this area is a constant battle for yours truly. The Bible is loaded with wisdom on control of the tongue. Perhaps one of the most popular is James 3 where it mentions the tongue being like a fire that can set a whole forest ablaze. Think about how gossip can ruin people. Or maybe a cruel word to someone that breaks their spirit. Perhaps a hasty response to something before thinking about how you will respond because feelings overrule common sense. You get the point. The mouth can really get us in to trouble and ruin relationships among friends, family and co workers. So it is a constant challenge to say the right thing and learn to keep our mouth closed when we should. In Ecclesiastes 5:3 it refers to being a 'blabbermouth'. I have not heard that term in a while but think about it. Blabbering all over the place for what reason? What good does it do to the hearer? Not much. Who does it edify to blabber? No one. Who does it hurt? Everyone.
Nagging, whining, complaining, gossip, lies, hate filled speech, hurtful comments and you can probably add some to the list.  Proverbs has many verses about the danger of speaking the wrong thing or too much. Proverbs 20:19 says "Don't tell your secrets to a gossip unless you want them broadcast to the world." Proverbs 18:2 "A rebel does not care about the facts, all he wants to do is yell." Proverbs 18:6-7 " A fool gets into constant fights. His mouth is his undoing.His words endanger him."Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger." This list of verses in Proverbs is very long. Check it out in your free time. So I ask you, do your words build up or tear down? Do they bring together or cause division?

PRAYER: Lord today let my words be few if they are not pleasant to those who listen to me. Help me Lord talk less and listen more. Give me the ability to wait before I react to something. I need your help in this area Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.