My Big Mouth

(3rd Part of “Get a Grip” Series)

Have you ever been itching to say something about someone, even though you shouldn’t?

It was just too good to not tell. If not, maybe you said some choice words to a family member, friend, or stranger out of anger. After you spoke, you regretted saying it, but it was too late; the damage was done. Apologies didn’t repair the relationship. Gossip and vulgarity are just a couple of examples of how we don’t always use our words in a positive manner. Our tongue is the small thing that can cause great devastation. James

3:5 (NLT) “In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.”

Sometimes talking too much is the culprit. Proverbs 10:19 (CEV) says, “You will say the wrong thing if you talk too much--so be sensible and watch what you say.”

Guard It It truly takes effort to be quiet when we want to complain or use our words inappropriately. However, there are habits that we can develop to help us. Before we speak we should ask ourselves, “Do I really need to say this? Will this benefit the listener?” Ephesians 4:29 (AMP) says, “Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].” In other words we need to think before we speak and that takes discipline. Proverbs 13:3 (AMP) says, “The one who guards his mouth [thinking before he speaks] protects his life; The one who opens his lips wide [and chatters without thinking] comes to ruin.” I read a plaque at a carnival that said, “Oh Lord, help me this day to keep my big mouth shut!” I laughed, but it is true. When we practice self-control instead of saying whatever we feel like saying, it will keep us out of trouble and protect our relationships.

PRAY THIS PRAYER:

“Father, I praise you because out of your mouth comes knowledge and understanding. Forgive me for gossipping, complaining, swearing and all the ways I have sinned with my words. Forgive me for how I hurt others by something I said. Show me how to restore the relationship. Please touch their hearts and help them to forgive me.

Purify my heart, because out of the heart the mouth speaks. I also ask you to set a guard over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips to keep me from speaking thoughtlessly. I pray that you teach me to use wise and gracious words. Help me to get a grip on what I say and how I say it. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.”

Danyale Patterson would love to hear from you! Contact her at www.danyale.com to share a testimony, send a prayer request, or book her to speak.