Education and breeding allow us to learn self-discipline and to measure our words carefully, regardless of how we think and feel. We speak cultured words, which do not offend, unless we lose our temper.
However, the Spirit of God is our continual
restraint in our thoughts, feelings and actions. He helps us not to blurt out
whatever comes to our mind, which is usually crafted by Satan to cause trouble
(Proverbs 17:27).
Yet, no human is always able to restrain
our tongue, because it is intolerant, immoral and full of lethal venom (James
3:8). Only the work of Jesus, living within the Believer, gives us the power
over our tongue.
Once we accept Christ as our Savior,
the negative aspects of life control us only if we allow them to do so. When we
belong to Jesus, His life-giving Spirit frees us from the power of sin, which leads
to death (Romans 8:2).
Salvation also frees us from living in
conformity to this world, because we are transformed by the renewing of our
mind (Romans 12:2). Jesus actually renews the spirit of our mind (Ephesians
4:23).
He always gives us a choice, along with
wise counsel about which choice to make. If we guard our words and keep our
tongue, we avoid calamity (Proverbs 21:23).
The Bible encourages us to be quick to
listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19). Wise words win
good things for us; and if we guard our lips, we guard our life (Proverbs
13:2).
When our thoughts are excellent and
worthy of praise then this affects what we say and do, as well as how we feel
emotionally and physically (Philippians 4:8).
Prayer:
Father God, remind us that it is better
not to be quick to speak or hasty in our heart to think anything negative. When
we walk in the Spirit, the fruit of our lips fill us with good things, as
surely as the good work of our hands rewards us (Proverbs 12:13-14).
We give You the praise and glory for
the transforming power of Your Spirit within us. We can never thank You enough
for drawing us to Your heart and including us in Your family for eternity (John
6:44; Ephesians 2:19).
Thought for the Day:
God watches us from heaven as we are on
earth, so let us be wise and let our words be few. - Ecclesiastes 5:2
