Monday Minute in the Word – The Quiet Game

Note: Join me every Monday morning for a brief, but reflective look into God’s Word. There’s no better way to start your week.

Did you ever play the “quiet game” when you were a kid? Although not physically demanding, for many of us it was one of the most difficult childhood games to master. And to be honest, I still have not “mastered” it.

Over and over God’s Word talks about the power of our words. The power to help and heal. And the power to hurt and destroy. Today, let’s consider some words of wisdom from Proverbs.

When words are many, sin is not absent,
   but he who holds his tongue is wise.  Prov 10:19, NIV

He who guards his lips guards his life,
   but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. Prov 13:3, NIV

A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,
   and a man of understanding is even-tempered.  Proverbs 17:27, NIV

A fool’s mouth is his undoing,
   and his lips are a snare to his soul.  Proverbs 18:7

He who guards his mouth and his tongue
   keeps himself from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

These four verses are just the tip of the biblical iceberg. James, the New Testament author and half-brother of Jesus, sums up the overall principle well: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…” (James 1:19).

Oh, there have been so many times I wish I could take back my words. My mouth has gotten me into far more trouble and done much more to strain my relationship with God than my deeds ever have.

I am working to heed the wise advice of Scripture. Hold my tongue. Guard my lips. Carefully choose my words.

Are you good at “the quiet game” or do you need to practice more restraint? What is God telling you today about your tongue?

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