Devotional

We will inevitably throughout life make wrong choices, bad decisions, and numerous errors. However, if we can keep from stumbling in our words, we can prove to be more than mature. The apostle James tells us that if we control our words, we control every aspect of our being. The scriptures give clear guidance: “He who has knowledge spares his words . . . Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.”(1) “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak.”(2) “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”(3) We will without doubt have various troublesome thoughts. Nevertheless, let us check those thoughts at the door of our minds. Let’s repent of them before they get to our mouths. Repentance in the mind and heart is much less painful than having to repent from that which has already been spoken. It is one thing to think it, but quite another to say it.

(1) Proverbs 17:27-28, (2) James 1:19, (3) Proverbs 10:19

Thought For The Night

“Let the mind of the Master be the master of your mind.” Unknown

Evening Text

James 3:2: We all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

Looking for Answers

Have you considered how few words we have of Christ Jesus?
Have you ever considered how few words are in great speeches (Lincoln’s Gettysburg address)?
Do you count your words and make your words count?

Evening Study Guide

Defining: “Bridle the tongue”: To realize that it is an untamed steed, placing the bit in the mouth so as to steer and guide it, refraining our words and being slow to speak

Referencing: “Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body,” James 3:3.

Applying: Keep your mind running, but be slow to engage your lips.

Title

Not Every Thought Is To Be Spoken

Scripture

Devotional

Thought For The Night

Evening Text

Looking for Answers

Evening Study Guide