With pressure building from so many circumstances… I let a child have it this morning over something really stupid. I should have had more control and held my comments for another time. By God’s grace, I apologized and kept my mouth shut after that.
“Lord, set a guard over my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalms 141:3
Even when I’m not overwhelmed with life, my mouth can be a problem. I love to talk. I tell my kids, “It’s been my biggest asset and my greatest downfall.” I always felt the book of James was written with me in mind. Tame that tongue.
Being around my quiet husband only underscores how much I say! He has this plaque that reads, “A man of few words has few to take back.” Ouch. Obviously a woman of many words, better watch out!
When I was a young mom, pre-cellphones, I was pretty isolated at home with babies. Opportunities to talk to other women were rare, and phone cords just got in the way of chasing toddlers. I think God used that season to teach me how to be quiet. I turned off the tv, closed all magazines, (we didn’t have internet) and opened up my Bible.
Being alone gave me a chance to read and learn. Paul encourages young women in general to marry and work for a good reputation, raise children well, practice hospitality, serve, help those in trouble and be ready to do good (instead of being idle, gossipy or in everybody else’s business). 1 Timothy 5: 2-16 AMP
and
Proverbs 10:19– “…train young women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.” Proverbs 10:19
What a revelation to see I didn’t need to voice my very opinion. In fact, people would rather I didn’t! I have a specific job to do within the walls of my home and that was enough.
“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” Proverbs 10:19
“May I speak ONLY words that are true, words that help, words that are wise and kind.” Proverbs 31:26
ForGlorySake! -Anna (in progress)
