James 3:8 "But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil full of deadly poison."
This verse is so true. I know for myself, even if my intention is not to be poisonous, my tongue can lash stronger than a whip. It can inflict more pain than any physical strike ever could, for an injury dealt with words is both emotional and spiritual. My issue is not to cause harm intentionally, but when I drill down on a subject, as I often do, it can leave others fighting for their lives drowning in a wake of words.
This is mainly true for my husband and son, as they get the full brunt of my penchant for talking mixed with OCD. It is not a fun cocktail at all. Unfortunately, I do not usually realize they have been "over served" until I finally recognize the familiar defeated or overwhelmed look on their faces. I thank God every day that they are both men of faith who forgive easily.
I often pray and pledge that I will never again use my poisonous tongue for any reason, but that submission is short lived when life gets difficult, and I feel I "need to try to "help" the situation by talking it through. When will I ever learn that advise if best given when sought for? Lord, forgive me.
So, as I process yet another failing on my part and how I gave over to sin once again, I will meditate on the verse I have written on a small white board on our refrigerator. Psalm 19:44 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to in your sight, O' Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Maybe this time I will finally fully submit this area of my life to my Savior.
I am, forever and always, a work in progress.
1 comment:
AGAIN my comment did not post and I can't remember exactly what I said.
I don't think your poisonous tongue, as you describe, applies when you are trying to help a situation.
I think when we are trying to help someone navigate a difficult journey we may sometimes push or insuate too much. They ultimately need our prayers and that I sometimes all we can offer.
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