“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
I’m so grateful that this isn’t an either/or prospect. Speaking rashly is almost a universal sign of youth. Not all, but most young people are quick to express their opinions. They tend to think they are always right and that everyone wants and needs to hear their every thought. Over time, the wise—most often those with the guiding and maturing influence of the Holy Spirit—come to the realization that they know much less than they once assumed, and that most people are not sitting on the edge of their seats waiting to hear their opinions. This describes my journey. I certainly wish I had learned this lesson faster, and so do a number of other people. Quiet, contemplative listeners always seem wise and knowledgeable. The bottom line is that, as Christ followers, we don’t have to live life regretting what we say. We can allow the Holy Spirit to convict and correct anything in our lives that doesn’t enhance the lives of everyone we encounter. Life-giving actions and speech are gifts from God to the world, done through His people. Today, be one of those life-givers. #BeTheEdge
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 NIV
