Words!

Sometimes we open our mouth and get ourselves into trouble. Perhaps our experience has been “open mouth, insert foot.” Then there are times we might snap at people who appear to be trying to put words in our mouth. How wise we are when we keep James’ advice in mind. ( James 1:19) It is the “perfect man” who does not stumble in what they say. ( James 3:2) Do we still struggle?

We may marvel at the marvelous words David spoke through the many psalms he wrote. However, his choices and words did not always take Him down the right path. Remember the occasion when David opened his mouth and it led to adultery with Bathsheba. ( 2 Samuel 11:3-5) He opened his mouth again in an attempt to cover up his sin ( 2 Samuel 11:6-13), but Uriah was too loyal of a soldier to go home while the army was still out in the field. Then David sent a letter by the hand of Uriah himself with orders that would ultimately lead to Uriah’s death. ( 2 Samuel 11:14-17) David was later confronted, acknowledged his sin, and did receive forgiveness for it. ( 2 Samuel 12:7-13)

In a portion of a psalm written by David when Nathan had confronted him over this incident we read…

“(15) O LORD, OPEN MY LIPS, AND MY MOUTH WILL DECLARE YOUR PRAISE.” ( Psalm 51:15 ESV)

Our own words may sometimes get us into trouble. However, we will always be better off when we allow God to open our mouth to SAY THE WORDS HE WOULD HAVE US SAY. If one is going to put words in our mouth, we can always be safe when that one is God. His Words are WORTH REPEATING AND SHARING for He has declared that the word that goes out from His mouth will not return to Him empty but will accomplish that which He has purposed and succeed in that for which He has sent it. ( Isaiah 55:11)

David went on to state…
“(16) For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. (17) The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A BROKEN AND CONTRITE HEART, O GOD, YOU WILL NOT DESPISE.” ( Psalm 51:16-17 ESV)

It is the heart touchable by God that will produce the best actions and speech. May our heart be continually open to Him so that when our lips open, the words will promote the purposes of God.

Have a great day DECLARING PRAISEWORTHY SPEECH!
Carl

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