CONTROL WHAT YOU SAY

What are we saying and why are we saying it?  After years of either saying nothing out of fear, or bursting out with anger and complaints, one of the things we need to learn in recovery is what to say and when to say it.  We need to learn to control what we say and speak in ways that encourage others. We need to speak the truth to others in a loving way and we need to give attention to what is actually important and needs to be said.

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.  (Proverbs 16:24, 15:1, 13:3 NIV)

Gossip and blaming don’t help in any situation.  Using our words to lie and manipulate and get what we want is more destructive than helpful.  It’s time to give up these ways of interacting with others. 

With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.  A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. (Proverbs 11:9, 26:28 NIV)

It’s not just words that come out of our mouths we need to watch.  In this age of social media, it’s easy to let our words run wild when we think of sending tweets or texts.  We would do well to think about the impact our words might have on the receiver of our communication and what our words might reveal about us.

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.  Do you see someone who speaks in haste?  There is more hope for a fool than for them.  (Proverbs 29:11, 20 NIV)

So, what should we be talking about and how might we be saying it?  A good rule to follow is to speak to others as we wish to be spoken to.  There is always a place for kindness and courtesy.  God’s Word promises that when we take time to consider what we say and speak kindly to others, it will bring health to our own bodies.

Prayer:  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen (Psalm 19:14 NLT)