Keeping My
By: Linda Bailey
Reference: I said, "I
will watch my ways
and keep my tongue
from sin; I will put a
muzzle on my mouth
while in the presence
of the wicked."
(Psalm 39:1)
Explore: "The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to
understand. We listen to reply."
I recently read this quote online and had to agree. So often I listen to
people just waiting for them to pause or to finish so I can get my
point across. Hearty dialogue is not bad, however, if it is the only way
we communicate then we will never learn from other people. It will
only be our thoughts and ideas that we keep hearing.
Application: The psalmist curbed their tongue and found it very difficult. I think we would find the same. However, there are times when
it is good for us to be silent and just listen rather than speak. We just
have to look in the mirror to be reminded that we have only one
mouth but two ears. Yet we often lead with our mouths and it is our
words spoken in haste that get us in trouble. Let us learn from those
wiser than us, that we must guard our words and guide our tongue.
Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we speak out of turn. May our tongues
be guided by love and grace. Amen.
When have your words got you in trouble?