God Inspired Her

I had to learn how to keep my mouth closed. Back in the day I felt like I had to talk back. Ask my first husband! Lol! We used to go round for round with insults and curse words. Twelve years of verbal combat. Never mind the first four years before we got married of the verbal abuse. We both were ready for war at any given time.

As I have lived life so far I know when to open my mouth and let my voice be heard. And when to hush! Yes, there truly is a time to talk and a time to listen. I know some people who love to hear themselves talk. They do not know what their ears are made for…but we will leave that for another topic for another day.

So, today I have some bible verses that actually tell you when to be quiet.

Proverbs 14:17-A quick-tempered person does foolish things,
    and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.

Be quiet in anger. Have you ever did something that hurt someone you loved and couldn’t take it back? Something foolish? Plot and planted how you were going to get your lick back? This is when you are so angry, you have to remove yourself from the situation. Get in your car. Take a ride. Take a walk. Or my fav, go for a good run. Anything that will take you away so you don’t do anything you will regret.

We may offer words of comfort and encouragement. However, it may be best simply to draw alongside a grieving person and be silent. When someone is grieving, it is hard to find the right words. They have heard sorry for your loss multiple times. Sometimes all they need is to be held. Have a shoulder to lean on. To sit in silence and listen to God’s voice can be what they need.

Proverbs 18:21- Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit-you choose.

If you can’t speak without shooting daggers with your words; it’s time to just be quiet. There are moments we must hold back our words. We do this to avoid saying what we really want to say. On the tip of your tongue is every word but a child of God. When I used to get mad, you couldn’t stop the tornado that came from my lips. And as that storm was settling, I have hurt someone’s feelings. How many friendships were destroyed because of words? Families torn apart? You can choose poison or the sweet words of fruit. If you know the words are poison, keeping hush is the best choice.

Proverbs 16:28 – “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”

This is one I am working on. Gossip! I don’t spread gossip, but I will listen to it! I won’t give an opinion nor say anything negative about the situation. I just want to hear it. Pray for me!

When someone comes with gossip, the thing to do is be silent. (I got that part right!) Walk away or change the subject. Just don’t participate.

 Philippians 2:14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing

The Greek noun translated “grumbling” in Philippians 2:14 describes “a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone.” On the other hand, “disputing” refers to “arguing in a raised voice, debating and quarreling out loud.” Do you find yourself complaining all day? To me when you complain you are telling God He isn’t doing enough for you. God supplies all of our needs. When you complain, are you questioning what God is doing right now? There is something good in every negative if you look for it. If you are about to grumbling, arguing, or complaining- mouth on close! Just remember Philippians 4:8 that next time you want to complaining:

Philippians 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Those who practice quietness show their understanding of who God is. They are confident in his power and the truth of His word. To stay silent when needed shows you recognize your own deficiencies. It shows where you need God’s grace and wisdom. To have the wisdom to be Christ like in a time where things can quickly go left is a blessing.

Janice