Foolish talk

A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. Proverbs 18:6‭-‬7 NKJV

Scripture is clear, our words show the condition of our heart.

Matthew 12:35 KJV — A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Yet, it is uncommon to find people who can control their tongue.

James 3:8 KJV — But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

Despite the difficultiy of taming so unruly a member, what we say we shall answer for.

Matthew 12:36 KJV — But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

The Lord wants us to allow Him to cleanse our speech from the inside out.

Ezekiel 36:26 KJV — A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV — But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV — Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Each one of us can look back and recognize the fool in ourselves by the words we can not retrieve.

No one is exempt from wishing they could take back their words, but we have hope for change.

Through God’s Word we find truth and righteousness.

It’s pages are filled with not only instruction on how to live, but also encouragement that through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice we can be cleansed, through the work of the Holy Spirit we can overcome the error of fools.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your salvation. Lord Jesus, please help me tame my tongue, to be self disciplined with my speech. Lord Jesus, You said out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Lord, please help me carve Your Word into my heart. Teach my lips what to say and when to be silent. Lord Jesus please help me to be honest and honorable before You that I might not quench the Holy Spirit. Lord, I want to be sensitive to Your leading, not continually going astray. Thank You for Your patience with me. Thank You for Your Word which guides and instructs. Thank You for Your loving kindness and long suffering. Lord, help me be more like You each day. I love You. Amen.

Sharp truth

Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool. Proverbs 10:18 NLT

Is there any who can not see themselves in these words, at one time or another?

God’s Word cuts through our excuses for ungodly behavior and reveals the truth of what these attitudes are:

lies and foolishness.

Rather, we must be on guard against allowing such things in our lives and be quick to repent when they are discovered among us.

For our tongues are to be under submission to the Lord Jesus.

When they are not we bring ridicule to our Savior.

James 3:9-10 NKJV — With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

If we are followers of Christ Jesus, our actions, our attitudes, and our words need to be in line with what God says is His expectation for His children.

Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV — Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

God’s Word is sharper than any two edged sword.

Hebrews 4:12 KJV — For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

And it is a wonderful gift for us, the children of God, to teach us, admonish us, encourage us, and to bring us life.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV — All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Praise the Lord!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the truth, direction, guidance, and correction we find in Your scriptures. Lord, please help us to read, understand, and accurately apply Your truths daily. Lord, our lives often get bogged down in the muck of our sin and the more of a sinful world. Lord, please help us be on guard against sin and to repent quickly when we have sinned. Lord, please place a guard over our lips that we might not curse our fellow man nor mock another of Your creation nor slander or neighbor. Lord, please keep us from bring dishonor to Your name by walking in ways which are counter to Your character. Lord, please teach us how to love well, to live selflessly, and to be totally surrendered to You. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

“Put your hand on your mouth”

This mouth of which most everyone uses, and is used by, has both great and terrible moments.

The Bible speaks to us clearly to watch our words and be mindful of what we say.

Do not malign a servant to his master, Lest he curse you, and you be found guilty. Proverbs 30:10 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.30.10.NKJV

This verse might seem out of date as the average person doesn’t have servants nor do we think in ways of those who serve and those who are served.

But it has not lost it’s truth.

Because the Bible tells us that each person was created by God, and although many do not choose to serve Him, He is the One all will answer to.

Thus, when we speak against another, we are actually speaking against God’s creation.

Therefore, we can easily transgress this verse, because God’s Word is clear:

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31‭-‬32 NKJV

God is aware that we are going to struggle in this area of words.

For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
James 3:2 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/jas.3.2.NKJV

But knowing it’s going to be so much better that we follow His Word and guard our lips, He gives us many scriptures of encouragement and guidance.

Job 27:4 KJV — My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.

Psalm 34:13 KJV — Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Psalm 120:2 KJV — Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

We shall find these words “of Agur the son of Jakeh,”(Proverbs 30:1a) will give us a physical action to help with this troublesome member of the body.

If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, Or if you have devised evil, put  your hand on your mouth.
Proverbs 30:32 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.30.32.NKJV

Before we speak our hearts need to be focused on the truths of scripture, but if we find we’ve already said something we shouldn’t it’s not too late to stop.

May we find our guidance in the Lord and His Word for all areas of life, including our speech.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your understanding of how difficult it is to tame my tongue, to keep the words I speak to those which are edifying and wholesome. Lord, You know it is a heart issue, that often my sinful nature takes offense and thus ugliness grows and often shows itself in my speech. Lord Jesus, I don’t want that. I want to be whole before You and cleansed from all unrighteousness. I know it’s a lifelong process, but I humbly request that You remind me to put my hand over my mouth if I’m tempted to speak words which would be sinful, things which would accuse, times that would sow discord and division. Lord Jesus, You alone know what is best and I submit myself before You. Thank You for this reminder. Thank You for Your patience as I learn. I love You. Amen.

Always with grace

One misspoken word can cause an avalanche of emotion.

Always speaking with grace sounds simple.

But…

Sometimes, I just don’t know what to say.

Other times, I really wish I’d remained silent.

Once spoken, one can’t retrieve those words.

Since childhood, I’ve found my mouth getting me into trouble.

Talking comes so much more naturally than being silent.

To make matters worse, if I’m nervous I normally talk more.

Not a positive trait.

Because more words means more opportunities to say something I shouldn’t.

As with all things, scripture is my go to for this area of struggle.

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6 NKJV

Always speak words of grace, seasoned with salt.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29 NKJV

Nothing which is spoken should poison or harm, instead words should be healing truth filled with love and grace.

Psalm 19:14 KJV — Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

The words spoken and the thoughts focused on are directly linked and need to be under the Lordship of Christ.

I have prayed these verses in my desire to speak only uplifting and encouraging words.

For wrestling with my untamable tongue continues.

It’s also a lesson I’m trying to teach.

I’ve asked more than once, “Was that kind?”

Colossians 3:12 NKJV — Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

How we speak, act, think, and respond should all be within the boundaries of protection the Lord set up in His Word.

If I’m allowing unkind speech out of my mouth, what are the thoughts of my heart?

Matthew 12:34 KJV — O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (emphasis mine)

Therefore my speech is a mirror of my heart’s condition.

Of course, I’m powerless to train myself at all, only through the Lord Jesus and His guidance can my actions and attitudes change.

How encouraging to look backwards and see He has brought me so far from where I used to be.

How thankful I am for His patient instruction.

Conviction really is a blessing.

Thus, I’m praising God for His Word, His patient correction, and His love.

I’m also continuing to lift up my struggles in prayer.

Psalm 141:3 NKJV — Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word and Your guidance. I desperately want to sow good things in life and I know this area of words is a vital part. Please Lord, set a guard over my mouth, and a door upon my lips that I might not sin. Lord Jesus, cleanse my heart and renew my mind, that I might be able to walk in Your ways, being led by Your Spirit. Lord Jesus, I want to live in such a way as to redeem the time, please teach me daily how to do so. Thank You. I love You, Jesus.

Lost his voice

Circumstances can crowd in upon someone before they realize.

The consequences of behavior can begin to hide the heart.

And yet those things are a direct result of the choices made.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
Galatians 6:7 NKJV

Recently, as I shared with another, the brokenness of my past relationship with my father, I was able to see the truth in a crystalized phrase.

“He had lost his voice with me by the way he used anger.”

From my perspective, he was always angry and therefore I didn’t want to hear anything he had to say.

In reflection, after God’s healing me, I can see I missed a lot of things he was trying to say, but he had already lost his voice with me.

Our conversation continued and we each reflected upon times when our own voice was lost.

Although all three of the circumstances and choices were different, we each had lost the privilege of sharing truth because of our misuse of our words, actions, or attitudes.

But it didn’t end there.

Jesus had redeemed each of us.

It was humbling and uplifting to realize how Jesus had used these sins in our lives to hone us, to teach us, and to change us.

And before I thought it I spoke.

“I really hope God will help me to teach this truth. I want to pass on the value of guarding one’s actions, attitudes, and words so they might not lose their voice.”

Of course Jesus already spoke so clearly upon these truths, all I’m responsible for is sharing them with others and walking in them myself.

No, I don’t have it down perfect, but I’ve learned that when I sin it’s my responsibility to repent and ask for forgiveness, both from God and those I’ve sinned against.

I’m also on my guard about making allowances.

“Well, I just reacted that way, because I’m hungry and I didn’t sleep well and I…”

Nope!

Refusing to accept the truth that I sinned is as damaging as the sin.

Trying to down play my responsibility in the sin is as deadly as approval of the sin.

Blaming anything rather than repenting of my sin is wickedness, for what I’m doing in my heart is refusing to admit that I’ve transgressed before the Lord.

Humility before God and then others is the best choice.

1 Peter 5:5 KJV — Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

If you have allowed your voice to be lost through sin, it’s not too late to humble yourself before God and those around you.

If you are walking in the path of restoration, praise God for His mercy and grace. Pass on the knowledge of God’s truth.

Galatians 6:10 NKJV — Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. It is so full of all we need! Thank You for teaching me how to be careful of my words and how to continually humble myself before You and others. Please continue to teach me and to guide me along Your paths. Jesus, I want to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and full of Your wisdom. Please help me to sow truth, love, humility, and righteousness daily. Please place a guard over my heart and my mouth, that I might not sin. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

My mouth…

My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, And all flesh shall bless His holy name Forever and ever. Psalms 145:21 NKJV

How this resonates within me.

I want my mouth to be full of the praise of God.

To be continually speaking the honor that Jesus deserves.

But it must be a heart condition first.

Luke 6:45 NKJV — “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

What comes out of my mouth is dwelling in my heart.

Since, I want my words to edify, those truths need to reside in my heart before they can be spoken in spirit and truth.

Because, God isn’t fooled by my words if my heart is out of order.

And He speaks clearly about lying.

Proverbs 6:16 NKJV — These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

Proverbs 6:17 NKJV — A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,…

Therefore, my heart is the key to my mouth being filled with praise.

I must daily praise God, with my in- most being, to fix my thoughts upon all that I know to be true of God.

It normally starts with something simple.

“Jesus, I thank You and praise You for loving me.”

Then I try to name as many things about Him as I can think of.

“Lord Jesus, You are righteous, holy, set apart, full of mercy, truth, goodness, kindness, grace…”

After my heart speaks these things I normally flow into thanking Him for each member of my family.

“Thank You so much for my husband, thank You for Sis, for Tim,…”

Focusing on God’s attributes and naming my blessings helps me focus my heart.

I praise God, throughout my day.

It’s not a formula or recipe.

Instead it’s a purposeful practice of praise, which brings such rewards.

One of them being a mouth which speaks praise to God Almighty.

The other is a heart which is focused upon giving glory to God.

2 Samuel 22:4 NKJV — I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for another day. Please teach our hearts to be focused upon You and Your Word, that we might have lips full of praise and thanksgiving. Lord, I want my life to be honorable before You. Please, help me to walk in Your Word, applying it to my life. Lord, I want to give You all You are due, all honor, all glory, and all worship. No matter the circumstances, please help me to praise You. Thank You for all You are and all You are doing. Jesus, You are amazing and I praise You! Amen.