"Lord, Let My Words Be Wise"

By: Zach Wood

Proverbs 10:19

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

 

 

I want my words to be wise when spoken.  When I speak to my wife, family, co-workers, friends and acquaintances, I want my words to be loving, compassionate, gentle, encouraging, appreciative, and full of love.  Sadly, this does not occur as often as I would hope it would.  I find myself relating often to Paul's words of struggle in Romans 7.  I know the good I ought to do and the love I ought to show toward others.  But....when my human side kicks into control, I lose my focus from Christ and do what I want to do.  That never seems to make things better.  I say things I wish I would not have said or say things in a way that would never have come out if I had thought my words through before speaking.  Are any of you familiar with a Chris Rice songs, "Clumsy".  As I was just now typing this devotional, that song just popped into my mind.  I really like the beginning words of the song, "You'd think I'd have it down by now, been practicing for 30 years.  I should have walked a thousand miles, so what am I still doing here?".  I'm 29 years old and I thought I would have this whole Christ-like walk down better!  What's wrong with me?  Why can't I get my act together? 

 

I'm sure many of you relate to those questions.  You just can't seem to pull it together and say wise things to people.  It's downright hard many times.  There are times when we have to learn to hold our tongues and ask God to take away the present words building up.  Only then can He fill our minds, hearts and mouths with loving words to speak to others. 

 

"Lord, I want my words to be loving and kind to others.  No matter who I'm talking to, when I'm talking to them, and no matter what kind of mood I'm in, let the words I speak be full of Your compassion and love.  Help me not to say things without thinking and allow You to direct my thoughts so loving words can emerge from my tongue.  Lord, let my words be wise, always. Amen"