Words

I cannot read this verse from Proverbs often enough.  This post is a response to Ann Voskamp and Holley Gerth's open invitation to write a post "about words."  Go to Holley's site to read weighty words on the subject of our words, written by many thoughtful writers. They will touch your heart.  (I have linked up, too.)

She openeth her mouth with wisdom;

and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Proverbs 31:26

Am I My Husband's Teacher?

I respond with resentment and irritation whenever my grown children speak to me as though I were their child. Why?  My thoughts go something like this, "Don't they know who I am?  I'm the mom.  It's not respecting my position when they try to tell me what to do, or speak to me in that condescending way as though I were a small child!"

Where do they get that from, anyway??  Well, I don't have to look too far for an illustration from my own life, of where they get that from.  How often do I, as a wife, try to "teach" my husband some very simple, and "obvious" lesson, using dripping sarcasm, a rebuke, a putdown, or a tone I would reserve for a five-year-old?  How often, indeed?

Chastened, chagrined, I purpose in my heart, while asking forgiveness and help from the Lord, to speak less, and when I do speak, to let God teach my husband, and not me.

Do you know what "henpecking" is?  You may not be able to define it, but I know that you've seen it.  Perhaps you've winced when in the presence of a wife treating her husband in this reprehensible manner.  What it comes down to is this:  we are trying to do the Holy Spirit's work in our husband's life.  I often picture the Holy Spirit, with arms crossed, saying to me, "Just let me know when you're finished."  He is not going to move in my husband's life with me in the way.

"Lord, please put a guard at my lips, and cause me to pause before speaking, to ask if this is a necessary word for me to say.  Is this the time, the place and do I have the attitude of Christ?  Make the law of kindness to rule my tongue, Lord, and may my words never henpeck or belittle."

Silence Is Golden? May Be!

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Proverbs 10:19

"There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health."
Proverbs 12:18