"In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise." Proverbs 10:19

We always start the day with high hopes. We tell ourselves, "I am not going to get ruffled and say something I'll regret!" and "I'm going to do better, today. I'm going to keep better watch on my tongue." 

But, as every day passes, failures multiply. We lie in bed at night and wonder why we said what we did. Why we got so upset, to begin with? We should have just let it slide! What is wrong with us? 

Today, my husband went down to the basement to help three of the smaller children do some painting. Two had little piggy banks to "decorate". One had a boat. Sounded like a wonderful time for Daddy and children... but a terrible time for me!

Paint always strikes terror in my heart! It means ruined clothes. Being a woman who cares about modesty, I sew my girls' clothes, and my own. That takes time that I fight to find. And the boys' clothes are just as precious. We're a large family, and don't often purchase clothing. 

"Can you please have them put tshirts on over their clothes, first?" I asked my husband who was rushing back to the basement where the little ones were eagerly waiting. He let out an exasperated sigh, and I think he might have rolled his eyes. Somehow, it bothered me greatly.

"Wait a second," I thought to myself. "He is the one who is always complaining that this or that  child's clothing is too dirty, too worn, needs replacing... And the fabric costs! He fusses every time I have to buy fabric for a new dress for someone! And I just finished sewing two dresses for the one girl. That was an accomplishment! Now she actually has three dresses that are fit to wear. I can't lose one of them! All that time! And I still have two girls to go! Paint is something he knows stains!"

Before I took time to think better of it (or to pray to God for grace to let it slide), my tongue lashed, "What? Are you going to buy me more fabric!?"

Oops. His face reddened and he said something under his breath. His whole demeanor toward me changed.

Immediately, I was filled with regret. Why can I never learn to hold my tongue!? How disrespectful to my husband! What a contentious attitude! I didn't mean to speak as I did! Oh, Lord, help me to mend things!

How is it that we can never learn to let the things that happen to us settle around us? Why do we have to allow it to smother us? Why do we brew over the most foolish of "wrongs" said or done to us? Why do we think we need to have the "last word"? And, why... why can we not learn to let things first be filtered through Christ?

We must make more room in our day for reading the Bible, and meditating on God's Word. How often do we sit down to read a magazine, or other book (however worthwhile they may be!) instead of the Lord's "Love Letter" to us? I notice the more time I spend reading the Bible, the less likely I am to speak rashly.

We also have to make time for true prayer. Do we have time set aside in our day for this vital communication with our Maker? Breathing a prayer as we go about our daily duties  is wonderful. But it certainly shouldn't replace quiet, peaceful time alone with God. If you, like me, have a busy family this can be hard to do. But it is so important!

Lastly, I've found when I take time to memorize Scripture, it stays with me even during the more stressful moments. I, for one, see I need to get back into this habit. It helps!

Proverbs 10 is filled with wisdom concerning the tongue.

Other wonderful verses to meditate on:

• Ephesians 4:31 "Let all bitterness and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice..." In the next verse, we're exhorted to be kind, and forgiving of one another.
• Jude 16 "These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words..." Are we like this? Purely discontent?
• Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
• 1 Timothy 3:8 "Likewise... be grave, not doubletongued..." Double-tongued -- one who makes insincere statements. We may not be deacons... but deacons were a picture of holiness. They were to walk in a godly manner. Aren't we all? Therefore, this verse does indeed apply to us as women as well. God calls all of His followers to be godly.
• Romans 1:30 "Backbiters... despiteful, proud, boasters..."  Despiteful - To be insulting to, or to mistreat another.
• Mark 7:21 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts... murders..." Staying close to the Lord gives us victory over such things!
• 1 Corinthians 5:11 "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man be... covetous... a railer..." Railing - Slander; abusive language.
• Galations 5:20 "... hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions..." These are some of the works of the flesh that we are told to "put off" from us.
• Romans 1:19 - "whisperers..." Those who secretly spead false or slanderous information.
• Colossians 3:8 "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth."

I suggest we all make a friend of our concordances, as there are so many more verses on how we are to behave in the midst of stress and discord! Let's hide more of the Word in our hearts, and "gear" ourselves up for battle. Let us not succumb to the temptations of our enemy! He wants us to slip and say something we shouldn't! Don't let him win!

May God help all of us to better please our dear Heavenly Father in this most important area of our life!

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Shared by homesteadinthemaking

Wow, you hit the nail on the head with this one. I too, struggle in this area. I will say that I deeply appreciate your honesty on how these things affect your daily life and walk. Over, the years with prayer and God's Word it does seem to get better. I am not there yet but I have come a long way.
Blessings,
Trixi

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Shared by BlueApple

Oh how I struggle with the "slip of the tongue" daily. I too lie in bed at night and wonder why I said what I said. I pray daily for help in this area and I also pray to my Guardian Angel to push me to do good!

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Shared by gabbie427

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

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