SLOW TO SPEAK

Scripture Reading - James 1:19

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: KJV

Proverbs 13:3
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. KJV

Proverbs 20:19
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. NIV

God gave two ears and one month, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. Once we master our tongue, we shape our attitudes into more of God’s likeness which allows us to live like true children of God, showing the proper example of a Christian. The old adage, “If you don’t have anything good to say, it is better to say nothing!” still applies today. Although we all know these three verses are truth and that there are many verses that speak the same message of keeping our tongue this seems to be a common stumbling block for many Christians. There are many things we can do to help us control our tongue but the one that comes to mind at this moment is 1 Thessalonians 4:11

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; KJV

The process is simple, study God’s Word to build temperance into your heart. God’s Word will give you desire and discipline to be quiet on a regular basis. Now with that spiritual understanding and knowledge if you only focus on your own business that should remove at least 50 percent of problem of talking too much. Most idle non-productive conversation usually involves other people or other situations that don’t directly involve us. After narrowing down our words to speaking God’s Words and productive words in situations that are our own business we can explore the next speech cut. Which is to prefer doing our work without words over working with a lot of conversation. This applies to working around the house as well as working on your job. Since we are at work for at least forty hours a week if we talk too much on our jobs we are talking too much as a lifestyle. The key is to work quietly with your hands instead of working words with your mouth. We don’t have to always have a comment. If we do need to speak about work be wise and keep the conversation to business only. Remember the greatest work that was ever done upon the earth and forever will be settled in Heaven was on the cross at Calvary and that work only needed a few key words spoken by the Master, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” and “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.” and “It is finished:” Since Jesus finished His work I know that we can finish our work in quietness and reverence unto our Holy Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen!