Thursday, September 25, 2014

To Be Wiser

Wise Old Owl



               I've had this caption for about a week and today the quote showed up on Our Daily Bread's website.  Here's what they had to say...''There is a connection between wisdom and limiting what we say. Proverbs 10:19 says, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”  We are wise to be careful about what we say or how much we say in certain situations. It makes sense to guard our words when we are angry. James urged his fellow believers, “Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Restraining our words can also show reverence for God. Solomon said, “God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few” (Eccl. 5:2). When others are grieving, our silent presence may help more than abundant expressions of sympathy: “No one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great” (Job 2:13).''
             ''Let your speech be better than silence, otherwise be silent.''  Oh if we could only remember that quote and use it as our filter.  Some just have to have the last word, whether it is beneficial or not.  Romans 14;19  ''Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.''  We are to use our words to encourage one another towards a godly way of life.   We don't have to be harsh about it either.  Proverbs 15;1  ''A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.''
            Sure we all want to have our say in things, but is what we have to say more important than what we've heard?  I'm sure we would all benefit from a 5 second pause to process what we've heard before we reply.  I know, it'd be tough for me too.  Sometimes our reply is ready before the other is even finished, huh?
           May we all remember that our words spoken can never be taken back so let's be careful what we let go of off our tongues.