Restraining our lips

Proverbs 10:19--In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

     This issue is one that I must continue to critique.  Do I talk to much?  Is my speech what it should be?  Taming my tongue is a continual battle that I must be aware of.  With it I can praise my Father and also curse my fellow man.  These things should not be so.  Allow me to share a few verses with you that can help illustrate how essential it is for us to restrain our lips.

     Proverbs 17:27-28 says, "He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.  Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips he is considered perceptive."  Verse 28 is a life saver for me.  I don't have to be extremely wise or even very perceptive, if I keep my mouth shut I can be counted wise and considered perceptive.  This encourages me to put a filter over my mouth and be sure that all that is said is necessary and proper.  All to often my tongue will speak when it would have been better suited to stay silent.

     James 1:19 says, "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.."  How often do we switch the "swift" and "slow's" around?  We are quick to speak our mind and slow to listen to the thoughts of others.  May I encourage you to ask more questions and ramble less.  Even if the topic is not unGodly, our multitude of words may lead to unwholesome speech.

     A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.  Proverbs 25:11  May God assist you in choosing what to say and when to speak.