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Don't Talk So Much


Be quiet. No really. I'm finding this strange, inconvenient truth emerge in my life- the more I say, the more I wish I hadn't said. While I leave a lot left unsaid, I still speak more than I should. Most arguments are over words. Many hurts are from a untamed tongue.  Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry (James 1:19). Here's the standard: "Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." (Ephesians 4:29). I so want to be this, Jesus help me! Try this with me: today make a point to only say something that is good, helpful, and encouraging to those around us (especially our children and spouses!). Needless to say, I think I'll be biting my tongue quite a bit and spending more time listening.

Ponder this: Do you think before you speak? Do you you listen or talk more? How often are you arguing over something you've said?

My prayer: Lord, help us to speak with the motive to build each other up. Let us be slow to speak and quick to listen.

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