Words, part 1--Guest Post by Kelsey

Hi all, this is Kelsey (Wendy's daughter) again!  This is part of a lesson from the girls' Bible study I led last year.  (Part 2 coming next week)  I hope you are as challenged/inspired by it as I was while compiling it. :)  Note:  The only reason I didn't type out all of each Bible verse was because of space.  During the study we would take turns and read all the verses aloud.  Please do look them up, if you have a chance.  There is nothing that can compare to the Word of God, "for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2Tim.3:16)   

The wisdom of being silent

“Think before you speak” is a commonly known phrase.  Even the world knows that it is a good idea to think before you speak, or, as the saying goes,

“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”

More importantly, the Bible also speaks many times about the wisdom of keeping our mouth shut.   

Proverbs 12:16:  "A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame."

Being silent enables us to:

-think!

-listen to others or to God

[“Good listening involves:

1. Letting the other person speak without interruption.

2. Giving the other person your undivided attention.

3. Making sure you really understand what the other person is saying or thinking.” (Wayne Mack)]

-avoid foolishness

-avoid saying anything we will regret

“The true test of a man’s spirituality is not his ability to speak, as we are apt to think, but rather his ability to bridle his tongue.”—Kent Hughes

What the Bible says:

James 3:1-6  “For in many things we offend all.  If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”

“Keep thy tongue”  Ps. 34:13

Prov. 12:23 “A prudent man concealeth knowledge”

Prov. 15:2 “The wise useth knowledge aright”

Prov. 14:3 “In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride”

Psalm 49:3 “my mouth shall speak wisdom”

Controlling the tongue is a sign of a true Christian

James 1:26 “bridleth not his tongue”

  

Galatians 5:22-23 (The Fruit of the Spirit):  Do we demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit with our words?  Even the words that seem small, insignificant or unworthy of thought?

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. ” (Matthew 12:36-37)

We cannot control our tongue on our own.  Ask God to help you guard your tongue:  Ps. 141:3 “set a watch, O Lord”

Our words vs. God’s words:  Ps. 12:2-4, 6

Ask God to give you His words:  Isaiah 50:4, 7

“The man who lives right, and is right, has more power in his silence than another has by his words.”—Phillip Brooks

Stay tuned for Pt 2 next week!
-Kelsey :o)

Thanks for sharing, Kels.  I always enjoy when Kelsey posts.  The Lord really used the Scripture she quoted to convict me. Have you ever wished you had kept your mouth shut?