Those who control their tongue will have a long life;
opening your mouth can ruin everything. Proverbs 13:3 (NLT)
The LORD has used this time of sheltering in place to show me I need to do a better job of controlling my thought life. My grandma used to say, “A still tongue is in a wise head.” How right she was!
Have you ever said something you wish you hadn’t.
I have!
The verse I’m using today speaks directly to the results of speaking without thinking. But I think it speaks to something much deeper. I find when I speak words I would like to take back, it’s because I was thinking those things.
In fact, I was thinking and thinking and thinking those things. Sometimes for days and days and days. Then out they pop. They’re in the atmosphere and impossible to retrieve.
Relationships are dinged up and in need of repair and healing. It’s a total mess and all because I didn’t keep my thoughts on the things of the Spirit. Instead, I focused on the things of the flesh and found myself wallowing in regret.
Yes, I can follow the instructions in 1st John 1:9 to confess my sin and be forgiven and cleansed. I can claim the promise of Romans 8:1 of no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
But in the end, the words are spoken and the wounds are real. Grief follows for all involved because there is a loss of what was. Why?
There are a multitude of reasons, but some of mine are:
Pride
Insecurity
Jealousy
Fear
Fatigue
Anxiety
And did I mention Pride? Too often I find myself thinking I know best. Ugh! No wonder Proverbs 16:18 reminds us of the destruction of pride.
Ephesians 4:29 tells us to use words that build up and give grace to those who hear them.
I definitely want my words to give grace instead of ruin.
LORD, forgive me when I don’t trust You enough to keep my mouth shut. Help me pay better attention to my thought life. Give me wisdom and understanding for those times I need to speak, and discernment and discipline for the times I need to keep my mouth shut.
And LORD, thank You for each one reading this today. I ask a special blessing on their lives. Give them a word of encouragement. Help them control their thoughts and words so they will not find themselves in a place of regret. Thank You. Amen.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Yes! That is one of my favorites too, Diane. It’s a verse with great promise. Forgiveness and cleansing…both are so important if we’re to keep moving forward in our faith. I’m sure that’s why the LORD made sure John included it when writing to us all those years ago. He knew we would need it. If we confess, then He forgives and cleanses! Woohoo!!!
I’m so glad my struggle has been used by the LORD to bring benefit to you. Love you!!!
You are so right about that. We think about those negative thoughts for some time. We allowed our thoughts to give way to thinking on self.—” our unhappiness.”
It moves me to think, that God sees me and my imperfections and still forgives me. All I have to do is just ask. 1 John 1:9 is my favorite verse.
This blog subject is perfect timing! A situation was brought to light and I have been digging deep with the Holy Spirit to respond in love and grace. So far, I have prayed diligently before each response and know that sometimes no response at all is best. However, today my flesh struggles and your reminder to trust the Lord was very timely. HE is in control 🙌🏻 …and I don’t want regrets. To God be the Glory!!!