After completing your daily reading, come back to chat with fellow Bible readers about any reflections you have on the proverbs, introduction, or questions from today.
Our words matter, and as James 3:9–10 says, “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.” The book of Proverbs highlights the intensity and power of human language using contrasting themes like knowledge and destruction, protection and ruin, and attraction and foolishness.
Reflection Questions:
Proverbs 10:20 says a righteous tongue has equal value to pure silver. How much value do you place on the power of your words?
How is a prudent or righteous person’s tongue described? What makes a person’s tongue wicked?
Who can you share life-giving words with today?
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90 thoughts on "The Tongue"
I have a chronic illness that used to affect so much of my life. I’ve been accustomed to saying that aren’t life bringing when it comes to my body and have been trying to speak life into my health.
This is always a hard one for me as I am a chronic oversharer. I get a lot of anxiety following social events because of how much I spoke. I know if I were slower to speak, this would put this at ease, but it’s genuinely so hard for me. I want to build others up, not make them feel bad.
Mercy, so very wise. I am going to see if I can find a Master Class in communications. One of the things I pray for most is “wisdom,” but it is wisdom that I may impart to others through communication. Your exercise reminds me of the widely used phrase in communicating “Is it truthful? Is it kind? Is it necessary?” We could slow down a lot of wicked tongues by taking a pause and answering those questions first!
Amen ❤️
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We have been teaching our 3 yo that his words matter. Don’t tell mom and dad you don’t want the last apple, but then get mad and decide you want it once someone else has eaten it. How true also is the WAY we speak. Sometimes my words may not in themselves be malicious, but my attitude is.
ood Morning Sweet She’s!
I didn’t get to comment yesterday, more comments would show up to read each time I would reply! That’s a good thing though, we gain so much from hearing from others while keeping our own tongues quiet! Although I could have wrote a book on using mine to much! I love to talk with others, at others, down at others or up! lol.
I love to state my opinion and think it is right, although I have learned so much in the last decade in asking for Wisdom! Oh…just ASK me the GOD of the UNIVERSE says!!! Although I have always wondered if King Solomon had all the wisdom, how come he still chose things of the world rather than God?!
I think of the scripture “ask and you will receive. God IS FOR US, NOT against us!! He loves us so much, the saints are even rooting for us.
The scripture that says that he will complete the good work started in us…is that with the catch- if WE let him, since we have free will?
I want wisdom, I just have to know how to control my tongue where that the wisdom shows and not my foolishness. I want to be wise in Christ, which seems well enough around Christians, but not those that don’t want to receive Godly wisdom…which are the ones I want to “catch” the most. It is precarious, to say the least.
Have a great wkd. We are on are on the tail end of our vacation up north, I look forward to warmth and palm trees of home! But I get to stop and see my Daddio on the way home. If I was in charge of the drive, I would stop and have coffee and hugs with all you between Il and sw Florida! How fun it would be! But until then we really need to plan a fun Skype call to meet and talk! Don’t forget to put in a direct request to SRT to suggest a conference! The more that write in, the more likely it would happen!
Well somehow I posted here rather than on Saturday! lol
Proverbs 1019, “When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is prudent.” This is something that I need to meditate on. I’m a person who loves to have conversations with people who come to my work. And sometimes I feel that I may say more than I should. This is where I need discernment.
Same, I love to talk and share, but sometimes people just want to be heard! Lord help me to learn to listen! Or discern WHEN to speak.
I admire those who are so kind with their words and aspire to learn from them.
Proverbs 10:20 says a righteous tongue has equal value to pure silver. How much value do you place on the power of your words? A lot. Words have power. We have a responsibility to use that power wisely and justly.
How is a prudent or righteous person’s tongue described? Choice silver, feeding many, bringing wisdom, good fruit, preserving life.
What makes a person’s tongue wicked? Lacking sense, bringing ruin, slander, lack of sense, perversion, wickedness.
Who can you share life-giving words with today?
Myself, family, friends, and neighbors.
This is a topic I have sat with a lot over the last few years, especially being a mom. Our words have more power than we can truly understand. We have the ability to encourage, uplift, calm, speak love, wisdom, and understanding. We also have the ability to discourage, tear down, insult, co-conspire in gossip, and hurt. The choice is ours and ultimately one we make constantly throughout the day. As a mom, I’m trying to instill in my kids the notion of “if you can’t say something nice, then don’t say nothing at all” as well as kindness matters. Once the words come out we cannot take them back so it’s always best to pause and think before we speak. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment but harder to have restraint.
What good could we do through our speaking!!??
Life and death is in the power of the tongue. Those that love it shall eat it’s fruit. A ship is moved by a rudder, our tongues move us. If we knew how powerful we are!!!
Thank you Mercy for your words and prayer. ❤️
I learned a very powerful lesson in controlling my words. My husband is a sweet man,and this week I said things I shouldn’t have said, and asked him for forgiveness, which he readily gave. I will guard my tongue and will always have a loving and thankful heart towards him. God is so good. So is my husband
As I have said before – my words have gotten me into trouble more than I want to admit, but by the grace of God that will be changing. I’m getting better at praying first and then speaking.
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I have this note written next to Proverbs 13:3 “Stop, pray, and think before you speak!” and next to Proverbs 10:19 – “In other words – STOP talking!”
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I need to remember scripture in every situation and remember my own words of advice.
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I know it’s later in the day and I’ve probably missed you all, but have a wonderful Friday!
I hear you
I put a lot of value in words. One of my main love languages is words of affirmation. I have learned that sometimes it is better to keep your words short and simple. Sometimes when we keep babbling on, we say something we shouldn’t.
The mouth of the righteous brings fourth wisdom, but the tongue of the wicked brings ruin.
I feel like I am suppose to bring fourth life giving words to Jamie today. Lord, show me what I should say.
Oohh..a great practical topic today.
1. A righteous tongue is like silver. In such case, we should value our words as silver according to this comparison. I find that speaking with the solid foundation with the intention of kindness and building up based on truth makes a huge differences for the hearers. Truth is based on wisdom and knowledge. Tricky thing is words have a lot of nuances. Learning to speak and communicate well is probably a life long journey for me. I heard a successful businessman who used to be a pastor speak recently, he advised young people who want to be successful in the business world, get a phD in communicating. Words are so important in relationships, which is a foundation of successful business. Weigh our words, as a she put it. Is it silver?
2. How is a prudent or righteous person’s tongue described? What makes a person’s tongue wicked? The words used to describe these 2 categories in Proverbs 10 (18-21): a/Righteous lips: feed, restrain, choice silver. b/Wicked tongue: slander, transgression, lying, fools, heart, little worth, lack of sense, die.
3. Who can you share life-giving words with today? Maybe myself first. I believe that one cannot pour from an empty cup. I find that the internal dialogue I have with myself can contribute to the success and the peace of the day. My family and others I interact with will benefit from the right mindset I cultivate first for myself.
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What really stood out to me besides the great devo questions is the “righteous lips feed many” (proverbs 10:21). To feed is to nourish, sustain, and give life. Words can nourish the soul and the heart. Because of the fear of the Lord that is the beginning of wisdom, the righteous ones with wisdom feed others by feeding words that strengthen, comfort, correct, and encourage. A kind word can restore hope to the weary (Proverbs 12:25 : “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word cheers it up”). We must first be nourished and cheered up by the righteous words of God, Deuteronomy 8:3 “Man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord”. Next thing that stood out, Proverbs 18:20–21 “From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit”. Notice, the stomach is filled. Fruit symbolizes results or outcomes. Evil words (lies, gossip, insults, belittling, deceit) bring conflict, division, judgment, and regret. Good words (truth, encouragement, wisdom, kindness, love) bring blessing, peace, stronger relationships, even opportunities. In the end, we “eat” what we sow. Our relationships and life are like our vineyard. Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers”. We are the hearers too of what we speak. Thankful for CEE GEE sharing some crucial key verses reminding us why we need to watch our words. Highly recommend dear shes to meditate (I read several times and feel the fear of the Lord, goose bumps, trembling in awe). Words have nuances. Fun exercise before speaking, ask: “Will this produce fruit I’ll want to eat later?” ,“Will this word nourish or poison?”.
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I want to initiate a Prayer of repentance for wrong words which I am guilty of: Father, forgive me for the words that have wounded instead of healed, tore down instead of built up. Forgive me and cleanse me of the careless words. Create in me a clean heart, that flows out clean and kind words, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Set a guard, Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3). Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14). Amen. Be blessed dear sisters.
Thank you for your insight today Mercy and the prayer of repentance! ❤️
MERCY, what a beautiful extension to the study promlts; thank you!
Thank you as well for the prayer of repentance. Adding my amen. ❤❤❤
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Love your question:
“Will this produce fruit I’ll want to eat later?” ,“Will this word nourish or poison?”
Thank you Mercy for sharing your thoughts. I agree, your question is very thought provoking and convicting; to consider what fruit my words will produce before I let them out of my mouth is so hard but so necessary, according to many of the verses we read here.
Thank you for leading us in prayer. I needed and need that, so I’m copying it down.
I need to remember to rehearse words of kindness in my mind rather than thinking of clever ways I could get the last word in. And also, in professional/customer service situations, making a complaint about something that was not done correctly, I tend to let my anger get the best of me. If I could learn to control my anger (because some things still need to be said), I would be a much better witness for the kingdom. This really convicted me today.
“instead of clever ways I could get the last words in!” yep. I hear you.
I’ve learned very strongly the importance of words over the last few months. I hurt people by the lack of holding my tongue, and I was hurt by it as well.
I place a high value on my words, knowing how I was hurt as a child by words, as well.
Our words must build up, lift up, exhort, encourage. They need to bring life,.not death. Our tongue is tiny but mighty and by the Spirit we need only speak love!
Oh how true. This reminded me of how damaging words were to my sweet, dear grandson who only heard criticism and harsh words directed at him. We tried to combat it by the opposite- but the damage is there. It is heartbreaking.
Definitely struggling with this this week
When I saw the title today my heart gave a little stir and I thought to myself…”Ugh. Here we go.” then I prepared to receive some much needed instruction. Good reminders as to the power (like Kelly (NEO mentioned ) that words have on those around us. This is an area I need to constantly surrender to Jesus. I’m getting better at stopping before speaking but still have moments where I wished I had held my tongue! I do so love Jesus! I want to display His love to those around me. Praying my tongue will be an instrument for giving life . Amen
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Luke 6:45 NLT
A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.
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James 3:5-6 NLT
… the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.
But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
*(Read more in chapter 3.)
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Matthew 12:36 NLT
And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.
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This lesson reminded me of the beautiful hymn Wonderful Words of Life
“Sing them over again to me,
wonderful words of life;
let me more of their beauty see,
wonderful words of life;
words of life and beauty,
teach me faith and duty.
Refrain:
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
wonderful words of life.
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
wonderful words of life.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
I love the book of James. Probably because it gave me such good teachings and advice. I needed it so badly in my 30’s. My tongue was quick and angry. I used to think about Luke 6:45 and my heart. It broke me. I didn’t want to believe my heart could produce such anger. Thank you for the reminder of these verses.
Thanks so much for sharing that, Traci! ❤❤❤
So, God’s been preparing my heart and my head for today’s reading. It’s actually pretty stinking cool when I step back and look at HIS preparations. He’s so good! Colossians 3:6 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.” I struggle with acting on my emotions, speaking with my emotions. God is telling us to slow it down, take some time. And keep the negativity far away.
I love that Scripture, too, Callie! The scary truth is the tongue just reveals what is in the heart. Oh, how my heart could use a spiritual overhaul in some areas!
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haha, same. I just had finished speaking negativity then read your comment. But- I think it was reproofing being okay with the bad of society today, so not sure where that fits in. My son and I saw a movie two nights ago, and it was horrible. He asked me just now what I would rate it. I said a zero star, he said he thought it was fine, then continued to say all the ways it was bad. Ugh…how our kids have been brainwashed with what is accepted. The negativity had to come out
True. They are conditioned by society to not offend. Most godly truths offend people.
correction—I continued to speak all the ways the movie was bad (not him).
Oh i see lol. I love how honest you are. Straightforward and amicable ❤️.
As followers of Christ, our calling is to let the Spirit shape our words. The more we treasure God’s wisdom in our hearts, the more our tongues will reflect His goodness. May our words today be life-giving, truthful, and seasoned with grace.
Well said Ashley M.
xo
YES. And I can see I have come a LONG way. But still being refined!
My tongue gets me in trouble with my husband more than I would like to admit! But today, I’m confessing it and repenting of it. So many disagreements would be stopped if I would just not go “there.”
I’ve been working on it but I felt the need to openly confess! What I realize for me, it is selfishness and the need to prove my point. I’m finding if I will weigh my words and wait to respond, It gives me time to think of a more life giving way to share how I feel or that I don’t need to say anything.
I’m learning even what we say about ourself should be weighed against what God says about us!
Praying for all! I will come back and read your comments. Today is a little trip to eat lunch with my cousins and brother. There are only 8 of us left counting spouses. Pray for a safe trip!
❤Praying for your travel and your family time together!
Thanks for sharing your ‘confession’ here. Like you, I have had to realign my thoughts and words. It’s a never-ending exercise; I understand! ❤
Yes,today’s thoughts are so convicting.
I am right there with you, exactly. I have been trying to do better for like 3 years now, lol. I have all the scriptures written out and put around. I feel like my hubs comes home from a long, frustrating day and just wants to argue sometimes. I try to steer it away. I try to thing of it as the Lord trying to sharpen me, or prune me, to make me better.
Same thoughts today too Cheryl! ❤️
Happy Friday sweet She’s. Wow that tongue of mine! But I’m taking a step further for myself, the thoughts I have that I wish I could say, BUT hold back. I’m thinking its the same! OUCH!
Ouch indeed! I hear you ❤️
YES good point Mari!
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I learned as a child how important the words and phrases we use can be! I place a lot of value in the words I speak especially the ones I speak over my friend’s & family’s life through prayer.
So wise ❤️
Adding Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
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Build up or tear down – your words, your choice.
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Many warnings heard growing up, a couple coming to mind –
If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.
Bite your tongue.
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Childhood saying that’s a big lie – sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.
The breaks and bruises will likely heal, but the cruel words cut so deep. I was bullied at school and in neighborhood growing up, some things you never forget.
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Devo Q’s:
What makes a person’s tongue wicked?
The state of their heart/soul
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How much value do you place on the power of your words?
You spend them when you speak, what are they worth and what are you getting in return?
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Who can you share life-giving words with today?
Everyone you encounter. A smile is worth a thousand words. Thank a cashier or server for working. Sometimes not speaking is life-giving as well, be a good listener.
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Friend’s transplant surgery was successful, praying for a smooth recovery for him and the donor.
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CEE GEE ❤️ I’ll check out the Natalie Grant song, thanks
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MEAGAN C – clearly remember you and our prayers for you. Joining our sisters in prayer for a good church and friends, your son’s adjustment, and evaporation of the anxiety and panic. Have you thought about a gratitude journal, looking for at least one thing you can feel thankful for each day?
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MERCY – amen and amen ❤️ Your word snare caught my attention. For those who have never seen or used a snare, an animal caught in one is willing to chew off a limb to escape. If we are ensnared by sin, what are we willing to do to leave the sin behind? If we aren’t pulling away from sin, do we even realize we’re caught?
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TRACI GENDRON ❤️
LISA H ❤️
AMY GALEGHER ❤️ Welcome
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – yes, sin is always crouching at the door, waiting for the opportunity to pounce and dig its claws into us
MARIA J ❤️
BARB ❤️
RHONDA J ❤️
SANDI ❤️
TAMI praying Chela is adjusting and settling in
That’s excellent news about the transplant surgery. God is so good
So glad to hear about the successful surgery! Praying for recovery ❤️
And may I also add my favorite, because timing is everything- Proverbs 27:14 ‘A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning will be taken as a curse!’ Haha!
And let us not forget that ‘the tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.’ Proverbs 15:2
Lord help me not belch today :P
My teens definitely consider early morning greetings as curses. ;-)
Love all of your shares and so true about the heart! That was the basis of my comment, too.
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Great news on the transplant surgery! Continued prayers!
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Thank you for elaborating further on the snare. That is a deep analogy❤️.
A gratitude journal! This is what I need to start – thank you for the reminder!
Last night we had a small group at our house and I was in my Martha role getting my house clean and snacks prepared chatting with people as they arrived then we all gathered together and my husband asked me to open in prayer….i started to thank God for all the people in our house and then my mind went blank….i was still Martha-ing in my head instead of honoring God like Mary did sitting at His feet.
Our mouth/ tongue can get us in trouble but my heart wasn’t focused at that moment and I wasn’t giving God the honor He deserves every minute of every day!
It was an eye opening moment for me to prepare my ❤️before opening my mouthand thanking God this morning for His mercies new everyday❤️
Have a wonderful Friday
I love that…”martha-ing role”
That’s a good note,”to prepare my ❤️before opening my mouth”. Thinking about that, I realize my family and I too often dive into prayer so casually that we dont even know what we are praying for until the words come out. And while there’s a time and place for that level of comfort with our Father, its our default mode, and isnt necessarily as you say, giving God the honor He deserves… something to be mindful of for sure. ❤️
So true! I was always so nervous of what and how to pray and how I sounded that I wouldn’t pause to let my heart align with his and pray from praise and worship.
Thank you for sharing. Being overwhelmed can steal our focus- no joke. It is dangerous. I used to host small groups at our house, and i was cooking, leading, printing out songs, verses, small video, translating (bilingual group) and then I was completely dry. It is a real hinder to be in a Martha state. Thinking back, i should have coordinated less details, and probably ordered food or prepped in advance to freeze lol.
As a fellow vermomter said “silence is golden ” …Calvin Coolidge (aka silent cal)
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The power of my words I know needs to be in the forefront of my mind before I speak. What I really need to cultivate is submitting my THOUGHTS to God BEFORE I speak.
A prudent or righteous person’s tongue is slow to speak.
A person’s tongue is wicked when lies, half-truths, or twisted truths come forth. Even the devil spoke scripture in a way that made it untrue.
Who can you share life-giving words with today? Oh that it would be everyone I speak to!
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CHERYL BLOW – how is Alan?
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SANDI – continuing to pray for your husband’s endurance and witness.
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SEARCHING – continuing to pray for your friend’s daughter, Ann, as she prepares for life on the outside. Is there a local church or othe non-profit (maybe contact Prison Fellowship) that offers a transition ministry?
Think and seek God before speaking, if only I would remember that! ❤️
Thanks for checking, Kelly. There is a transition program that she will hopefully take advantage of when the time comes. Praying there aren’t any behavioral incidents that delay release.
Thankyou,Kelly.
So good. Like Proverbs 15:28
‘The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.’ Let’s say its a work in progress.
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My mouth has gotten me into trouble in the past! Not often, thank goodness, but boy, When I was on a roll, I was on a roll! You know that chorus.. ‘don’t stop me now..’that was my anthem when my mouth got the better of me!
I’m thinking, then, thankfully, I did not seriously, if at all, walk with the LORD, or attend church on a regular basis, and therefore.. I did not break His heart with my loose tongue and the not very nice things that left my mouth!
Wrong.! Wrong.! Wrong.!
I broke His heart alright, whether I knew it or not. Wisdom in those days and moments would not have been found on my lips..
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BUT GOD..
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Prime example, of the ‘no filter’ mouth, my being in the LORDS house and accusing Him of being a fraud and disrespecting Him in His house of worship! Yes, I was hurting, yes I was broken, yes I was grieving, but even so..
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BUT GOD..
In his loving kindness, mercy, grace and in filling of hope He gracefully and mercifully forgave me, touched my lips with ‘burning coal’ put a new heart and spirit within me.. gave me a new song to sing.
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I am nowhere near perfect, but the peace in my heart is a daily thing, I am calmer in the storms, (though I will admit I have fallen off the wagon and spectacularly too), But God..
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Whoever guards his/her mouth, preserves his/her life..
That is my aim, I may not always fet it right, But God knows my heart and my desire to be the person He created me to be…
He leads me on..
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Thank you Father God, Thank you.
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Amen..
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Happy Friday my dears, happy Friday! With much love..
Tina x♥️
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“I admit I have fallen off the wagon and spectacularly too”!!!!
Sometimes I want a do-over. My mouth can spew some ugly words. But God…
He leads me on.
Bless you Tina! Thanks for your openness. ❤️
that caught me too! lol.
Seems like it goes and then gets more wind!
♥️ so good and so sweet Tina
In the moment I may not always think about the power of my words, but I do understand they can carry life or death. Because of this it is important to think before speaking and check our heart. This would help one have a prudent tongue.
One of my hardest lessons to abide by – bridling my tongue! Father God forgive, guide and help me through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let my words bring life, not death. In Jesus name, Amen
Boy have I learned about this. I just ask forgiveness for the times I have said things in anger because you can’t take those words back. I am learning ato just be quiet and ask the Lord to guard my lips. My heart says “Sp
My Gran had this painted on slate in her home:
Words have the power to build you up or tear you down, use them wisely!
Perhaps I need it in my home too, my kids have reached the stage in life when their sole aim in annoy each other!
Those words were my first thought as I started reading today’s narrative ❤️ wise woman, your Gran.
It would do us all good to have that plaque in our home!
I know my words carry weight but I don’t always remember that. I want to consciously think about how my words reflect the Lord throughout the day. Slander makes our tongue wicked. No matter how awful another person is to me/us in their blatant attacks, I shouldn’t talk about them. I can defend our truth but not in a slanderous way. This was good timing for me.
“defend our truth but not in a slanderous way”
So true
Amen, that’s good.