Too Much Talking

I've been personally challenged lately to not talk so much. Being an expressive human being, sometimes I feel as though I lack self control or that I'm impulsive with my words. Not that they are ugly words, but are they necessary words?

Are they good for building up? Do they fit the occasion? Do they give grace to those who hear? (Ephesians 4:29)

Some words that are good for building up are hard to say. Some words that are necessary take some prayerful guidance. Some words that fit an occasion may be simple, or short, or lengthy. My heart here is to say that I don't want to waste words. I don't want to be so expressive that I don't get other the chance to speak or think, or arrive at their own conclusions.

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse. Proverbs 10:31-32

I desire my mouth to bring forth wisdom. Paired with my spirit and my mind, to be conscious and wise: when to speak, when to listen. Not to utter the first thing that comes to mind. Oftentimes wisdom means being silent. Oftentimes wisdom means speaking up. Oftentimes wisdom even means simply wait, be patient.

I pray, set a guard, Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

I am learning the power and sacredness of words.

I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12:36-37

I confess I think I've been careless with my speech. Not in a way that is hurtful or ugly, but in a way that is robbing me the joy of being quiet, of truly listening, of giving the Holy Spirit a chance to lead.

Her mouth speaks that which fills her heart. Luke 6:45

"A critical heart produces a critical tongue. A self-righteous heart produces a judgmental tongue. A bitter heart produces an acerbic tongue. An ungrateful heart produces a grumbling tongue. But a loving heart produces a gracious tongue. A faithful heart produces a truthful tongue. A peaceful heart produces a reconciling tongue. A trusting heart produces an encouraging tongue." Jon Bloom

Just an observation. Just a reflection. But a prayer for change indeed....