"A Closed Mouth Gathers No Feet"

This quote:  "A Closed Mouth Gathers No Feet"
 was on a sign I saw in someone's entryway one time a long while ago..., and it made such an impression on me!
Proverbs 10:19 says, "When words are many sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise". 
Now THAT is a convicting verse!

My tongue has gotten me in trouble more times than I can count.  I wish it were not so, and that being a Christian would be the key to keeping my tongue in check, but it takes more than just being a Christian.
It takes daily....sometimes hourly....sometimes moment by moment giving my mind, and my tongue to the Lord.

My mom's close friend recently went "home" to be with Jesus.  What a deep loss will be felt in the lives of all who knew her.  People's comments about her were that she kept her voice under control, never said an unkind word, and knew when to talk and when not to......what a legacy!  What a tribute to all Christ has done in her, and to her character!

Unfortunately, my husband can't say that about me....and I am sad.  I could dwell on that and beat myself up about it, but..........that won't change anything.  The blessing in it all is that Christ paid for my sin.  I was bought with a price.  He forgave me, and keeps forgiving me.  His mercies are new every morning....and I can be changed!

In Romans 7:14-25 Paul (the Apostle) talks about battling his sin nature.  He wants to obey, but has trouble carrying it out.  He is grateful that Christ delivers him from sin.  I am grateful for that too.
I encourage you to read that passage when you have time.

My tongue has caused me to lose a friendship.........no, it wasn't "all" my fault, but most likely, I acted before asking God to give me HIS words.  My heart aches that this happened.  I have spoken before thinking on so many occasions.  Why does it take so long to master the tongue?

God's Word also says in Proverbs 23:7, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he". 
Why am I bringing this verse into play when I am talking about the tongue?  Well............
because Matthew 12:34 and Luke 6:35 remind us that "...out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks".

I won't speak it if I don't "think" it.  Now, I can't always control what thoughts come into my mind, but I can control whether I dwell on them, and let them become words that I speak.

I'm a planner.  I like to know what's coming, and I like to be prepared.  I am also a detailed person, and although this is a blessing, it can also be a weakness.  I can become overwhelmed with the details.  I can think about the "what if's" so much that I speak detrimental thoughts.  This can be a discouragement to my husband, my friends, and my family.

I do NOT want this. 
I want the Words of my mouth and the Meditations of my heart to be pleasing to the Lord! (see Psalm 19:14)

You know what else?  Satan (the enemy) does not know your thoughts!  He's NOT all knowing like God.  He does have his "assistants" who watch the Christians.....waiting for ways to trip them up and keep them from being effective for Christ.  He LISTENS to what you SAY.  This is another reason to be careful what you say!

James 1:19-20 tells us to be slow to speak....and a whole lot more....

Oh, how I want to be a "helpmeet" to my husband, an encourager to him, and have the faith and trust in my Savior I want to have. 
Oh, how I want to be the mom that my kids can look up to, I want them to see Christ in me, and I want them to hear Christ in the words I speak.  (They see me take it all to Him......and see me get up when I fail....sometimes slowly!)
Oh, how I want to be the friend that is worthy of their friendship....someone they can count on to keep my tongue in check.
I'm a work in progress. 
I must take every thought captive, and keep hiding God's Word in my heart so that it will keep me from sinning!

Have you heard that new song:  "Let them see You in me?...." 
Here is the web address:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mgho0_JRetk

Let your words be few.....
Think: 
Is it necessary....
Is it true?
Is it kind?

Another week is upon us.....I wish you victory over your tongue this week!
Love,
Pam