Lying, Flattering, Manipulating-easy to detect. Difficult to set aside our pride or pain and not use this kind of speech when we feel fear, anger, or insecurity. Put your energy into right standing with God, obey His Word and He will direct the path of your feet and your tongue!
Day 4 - The Hasty Tongue
What I call "Foot in Mouth" disease! "Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than him!" Proverbs 29:20
Our words are life...that is what the Bible says. It is so important not only what we speak but also how we speak. Our lips move and words come out before we engage our brain at times. We say something offensive, off-point or commit to something we don't truly understand when we speak hastily.
1. Offending in Haste. James says, "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." Jam 3:2. Meaning, bridle our tongues and listen to what is being said, use your eyes to "listen" to the audience to understand before your speak. Trust the Holy Spirit to direct your language and you will not offend.
Regardless if innocent or not, offensive speech hurts. We can build-up a thick skin and give people the benefit of the doubt when they speak hastily, but we should also remember that not everyone is guided by the Holy Spirit and their skin is thin so we must demonstrate restraint and willingness to be kind and gentle to all people.
2. Responding in Haste. "He who answers before listening-it is his folly and his shame." Pro 18:13. Have you been with someone who answers your question before you finish asking it? Have you done this? I have and it rarely ends well. People who do this have low self-esteem and a need to prove worthiness or superiority. Pray for those people, help them to slow down. If you can, use humor to make your point (but be sensitive).
3. Committing in Haste. God expects us to keep our promises, especially to Him! "Do not be rash with your mouth and let not your heart utter anything hastily before the Lord." Ecc 5:2. God does not take promises lightly. He expects you to fulfill them.
In the book of Judges 11, Jephthah was quick to sacrifice "the first thing out of my house" as a honor to the Lord if the Lord would allow him victory in battle. Jephthah leads the Israelites to victory over the Ammonites. The first thing out of Jephthah's house was his only daughter! James says it this way, "Be swift to hear and slow to speak..." James 1:19
As author Smith-Pegues says, "Time and words are two things that, once gone, can never be recovered." My friend Rochelle told me to 'stop, drop and pray' before opening my mouth. When I do it, it has served me well.
Affirmation: Lord, I am swift to hear and slow to speak. You have set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the door of my lips.
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