Day 15 - The Know-It-All Tongue
We are half-way through the study and tongue fast. Have you been searching your heart and holding your tongue? This has caused me to pause and reflect on how I use words, how I use my tongue. James was right when he said:
We are half-way through the study and tongue fast. Have you been searching your heart and holding your tongue? This has caused me to pause and reflect on how I use words, how I use my tongue. James was right when he said:
The Tongue
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 ¶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Gen. 1.26
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 ¶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Gen. 1.26
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
So back to the know-it-all. Well this is another lesson I can take to heart. Do you know everything? Do you give unsolicited advice? Do you think you are always right (okay, most of the time)? Do you start sentences with "you should..."? I am raising my hand right now!
Emotionally healthy people resent being told what to do and getting unsolicited advice. We must practice giving people the benefit of the doubt in figuring it all out for themselves. So next time you want to give advice to your partner or friend, how about trying "have you considered?". No one wants to be mothered except by their mother!
Though we may know a lot of things; let's let our loved ones know something once in a while. It is so difficult for me sometimes I must bite my tongue and pray. It hurts to not spout out the answer or the advice. Sit on your hands, bite your tongue, hold your breath...let someone else have a chance! This is sound advice straight from God's mouth to our TWO ears..."wise people don't make a show of their knowledge." Pro 12:23. We all know the opposite of a wise person and we certainly don't want to be considered a fool.
On top of repulsing people with your wealth of knowledge; constantly having and giving the answer is certainly a form of pride. God hates pride, in fact He mentions it twice in the sins of abomination.
How do you tame your tongue on this matter? Well, my earlier paragraph about holding your breath, biting your tongue is a great start. Let someone else share and don't say anything about knowing that already or confirming. Say "really? that is interesting." This my dear sisters and brothers in Christ is HUMILITY! Isn't easy is it? Well, God never said the kiln would be lukewarm and we all know that gold cannot be refined with tepid heat.
Another warning--think you are the only one who knows it all? Beware, in some circles and situations there is another one lurking just waiting to cut you down to size. I've done this, Lord forgive me and I've had it done. Either way it is hurtful, sinful and just plain rude. Don't put yourself in that position.
Always maintain "the right size" and that is 1. GOD, the Father, 2. JESUS, the Son, 3. THE HOLY SPIRIT, Our Counselor, 4. Consideration of Unbelievers, 5. Our Loved Ones and then 6. Ourselves. Practice praying, praising or thinking about all those other people before glorying in your own self knowledge. Pretty soon, you'll have a great understanding of what Jesus truly did and how He humbled Himself to the Cross. Praise Him!
Ask more questions than answers you give. Listen twice as much as you talk. Show interest in people even when it is boring. Turn-off your competitive voice and really listen--God will whisper to you in those moments and give you the opportunity to be a good friend and healing presence for people.
Affirmation: I am prudent and therefore do not flaunt my knowledge. Amen! Love Sister Lisa
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