Think before speaking.
People who say, “I say whatever I think” are just as crude as those who do not hold back their bodily functions in public. Just because you “feel like it” does not mean it is appropriate.
We must prayerfully consider our own words — is it of benefit? Is it helpful? Is it loving?
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18
“A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understand is even tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” Proverbs 17:27-28
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:13-14
If I have nothing beneficial to say – I should keep quiet. I have to wonder if more people had tongue control if there would be less of a need for gun control. So many life changing problems start with words.
Hi. I was looking around the web for an answer to something that happened yesterday. I am not liked at my child’s school, because I am a single mom, w/o a lot of money, and the rest are wealthy couples who all go to the same church. As I was walking up to the door to pick up my little son, one of the fathers who was waiting in his truck there spit toward me just as I was passing by. I am praying about this, as I would like to release it.
As a friend once said, “Just because you’re in an airport, doesn’t mean you’re an airplane.” Just because those wealthy couples all go to church, doesn’t mean that they are Christians, or if they are, that they are maturing in their faith. It is so easy to judge others by their situations, dress, professions, etc., without really knowing anything about them other than hearsay. It is sad to think that a Christian would behave in that way, but we are all sinners and all in need of forgiveness. Praise God for His son Jesus and the gifts of grace and forgiveness given freely and undeservedly to all of us.
It is July and I just read your post. I hope that, through Christ, you have been able to release the hurt and anger you may have felt towards that man in the truck and felt the peace that can come through forgiveness. Be strong in the Lord and remember that you are not alone in your struggles. May God richly bless you!
I am praying for the mother and the anguish she mentioned in her comment. I am also praying for the man who showed such disdain toward this woman.
Let me add another Scripture to your listing:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. – Proverbs 18:21