Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
July 15, 2024
Proverbs 15:1-4
1 A sensitive answer turns back wrath, but an offensive word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise enhances knowledge, but the mouth of a fool gushes with stupidity. 3 The LORD’s eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on evil and good people. 4 Wholesome speech is a tree of life, but dishonest talk breaks the spirit.
Good Morning! Praise God for your blessings!
Be quick to listen and slow to speak! Put your brain in gear before you put your mouth in motion. Most of us become enraged at some point in our lives. Whether we feel our family or family name has been attacked or something or someone for whom we feel passion, we feel this surge of words (ugly words) building inside of us. Classic cartoons show the angered character turning red and steam beginning to spout from his ears.
The following story is a good reminder of the practice of constant talking (a.k.a. Diarrhea of the Mouth) without the presence of anger. Once a young man came to Socrates to be instructed in oratory. The moment he arrived and was introduced he began to talk an incessant stream. This went on for some time. When the great philosopher could finally get a word in, he said, “Young man, I will have to charge you a double fee.” “A double fee, why is that?” Socrates replied, “First, I will have to teach you how to hold your tongue, then how to use it!”
Remember, the biggest problem with words is that once they are released, you can’t put them back in the can. They seem to grow in size and intensity once they find the freedom of open air. 4 Wholesome speech is a tree of life, but dishonest talk breaks the spirit.
When considering our challenge to listen, I remember that we have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we speak. When we speak, speak words of truth, not words to insight anger or break down others. Finally, it is okay to be silent and keep open space as we take time to breathe and allow the proper words to form.
Truthful God, Thank you for creating us. Help us keep our tongues in check and consider our words carefully. Thank you for loving us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Trust God to give us the space to breathe.
Be a friend and listen to others! Pastor Liz
Comentarios