Loose Lips...

You may have heard the phrase, "Loose lips sink ships."  It originates from World War II and it's original form was "Loose lips might sink ships." The idea was that inadvertent words may give information to the enemy and cause harm to our men and women in uniform.

The writer of Proverbs says something similar, "When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent (10:19 ESV)."

It seems that the idea behind this verse is basic, the more one talks the more likely it is that they will cause harm or speak hurtful words. Restraint in speech and conversation is more instructive and shows prudence and wisdom. 

GUILTY!!!!  That's what God was saying to me when I read this verse. Indeed, I have a tendency to say more than the situation requires and sometimes with words that have been dipped in the well of sarcasm or the vial called "poison."  Given the opportunity, or if the situation seems to require it, I can kick the slats out from under anyone. Which I confess is wrong, hurtful and indeed sin.

I recall a bumper sticker that was popular a few years ago; "Be patient, God isn't finished with me yet."  Reading this verse in Proverbs has struck me in just that way.  God is exposing and wanting to chip away those areas of my life that are hurtful, not only to others, but to me and my ability to be a follower of Christ.

Words can be benign or they can be cancerous. They can carry meaning or malice, healing or hurt. Sometimes I just need to know when to shut up!

Loose lips can sink relationships. They can drive a wedge between me and the other person in such a way it may never be undone. That indeed is transgression of the greatest form.

...But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.   (James 3:8-9)

Father, thank you for your Word and how it speaks to my needs. May I be wise enough to heed its instruction and strong enough to yield my life to your shaping.