Your words.
Have you ever said something and the moment it left your mouth you wished you could take it back?
I have failed in this area more times than I’d like to admit. Not listening enough, and letting my emotions dictate my words.
This is an area that I see many women struggling with. They really want to be wiser with their words especially when they are dealing with stressful, hurtful situations.
I’m right there with them. How do we grow in this area and have our words be more encouraging and loving towards others, and honoring God at the same time?
God has given us some instructions and if we follow them we can change the way we use our words. Especially in situations that arise that would have us be reactive with our words instead of gracious.
I came across a scripture verse and when I read it, it sent an arrow straight to my heart showing me how to use my words with others. Let me share these truths with you and I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me.
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. (Proverbs 17:27-28)
Be careful with our words… before we speak too soon and regret it later:
Restraint – Sometimes we need to just hold back our words! We don’t always have to have our say. If you are like me, the more I talk in a heated situation the more trouble I can make for myself. Be more in control of your words instead of letting them control you.
Even tempered – Have you ever said someone is a “hot head”? That’s what we are when we lose our temper. That’s definitely not how I want people to think of me. God says we are to be even-tempered. Stay in the middle ground. Not losing control with our feelings and words, but being calm and in control.
Keep silent – There are times in situations where we just need to be quiet. That can be hard! Really hard! Our opinions don’t always have to have a voice. Listening more and talking less is sometimes the answer when we feel we just have to chime in! When we listen more, we can actually hear the other person and may better understand what is really going on with them. If we’re always butting in, no one is hearing.
Discerning – Use wisdom with your words. Just by taking a quick breather or offering up a quick prayer and asking God to help you with your words can make all the difference. This is something we need to go after more. Be discerning women with the words we speak. Say to ourselves ” Do I really need to say this now”? ” That may stop us in our tracks and we will be all the wiser because of it. Let the Holy Spirit direct our conversations.
I truly hope this helps you. There are many verses in the Bible about our words. God knew it would be a struggle for us so He lovingly gives us His Words so we can have better relationships. I am thankful He did!
Let’s continue to grow in this area and be women who are encouraging with words. Women who know how to listen, and when to keep silent. Women who can remain calm and collected and have restraint when a tough situation presents itself. The results will be better relationships and less regret because of our words.
That is the woman who is allowing God to change her.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)
Until next time,
~pat
*Don’t miss my next post: Body Connection- Your Tongue Map
