THE 24 HOUR RULE

How many times in your life have you said or done something on the impulse and wish you could take it back? I know I have several times. The mouth and not thinking can really cause trouble,embarrassment, and hurt feelings.

It was suggested to me that before you react to a situation and embarrass yourself maybe give it at least a 24 hour period as more than likely you will not say or do what you did since you were reacting on impulse.

What is needed here? Patience and prayer are two things that come to mind. Galatians 5:22-23 says 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.' When you pray for patience, look out, because some "tests" may come your way. Self control can help you with not speaking when you should be quiet.

People acting on impulse can send a letter that they wish they could take back of the mailbox at the post office. Maybe before you had time to really think about something you can not hold your tongue. Emails,texts and voice mails can be left and the next day you say "I wish I could take it back!' Ouch!

Below are some verses from Proverbs that deal with speaking when we should remain quiet at least for a 24 Hour period.

Proverbs 13:3(NLT) 'Those who control their tongue will have a long life, opening your mouth can ruin everything.'

Proverbs 21:23(NIV) 'Those who guard their mouth and tongue keep their life from calamity.'

Proverbs 18:21(NIV) 'The tongue has the power of death and life and those who love it will eat it it's fruit.'

Proverbs 10:19(NIV) 'Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.'

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

Proverbs 15:28(NIV) 'The heart of the righteous weighs its' answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.'

Proverbs 29:11(AKJV) 'A fool utters all his mind but a wise man keeps it till afterward.'

So you see that the Bible has much to say about our mouth and what comes out of it. When you have time someday do a word search in The Bible about words and the tongue. There are many more where the ones above came from.

PRAYER: Lord I need self control only you can give. I choose to speak wisely and not out of impulse. Help me stop and wait and think what I am about to say and if there is no goodness in it to refrain from opening my mouth. Help the words I say only bring glory to you. In Jesus' name. Amen!