Proverbs 6 is broken into five segments, so we will be looking at one section each day.
Today read Proverbs 6: 1-5.
So, how many times have you been known to 'put your foot into your mouth'?
We all have at one time or another. Let's face it...nothing gets us in more trouble than our mouth.
Have you ever lost sleep over it?
According to this passage, we are to seek forgiveness before we even do what?
I wonder how many nights I have fallen to sleep without seeking forgiveness or making things right with someone after I opened my big mouth?
Today, while going about your tasks, be conscience of your mouth. Purposely try to use it for loving, kindness, uplifting another. If you get into an argument, or mess up, ask forgiveness. Don't be rude. Even in public, or while driving. You think that other driving doesn't know what you're mouthing to him? He at least knows the attitude behind it!
Read verse 6 again. Just think of the feeling the gazelle has...he knows he is being hunted, he tries everything, running, dodging, jumping, hiding. And all of a sudden when he thinks he just can't make it anymore, he knows this is the end, he looks behind him...and he's free! He is no longer being hunted! That feeling of freedom is what God wants for us.
It is much better than that "Oh, man, I just put my foot in my mouth again" feeling.
It's amazing how God can bring so many lessons together to address the same issues.
ReplyDeleteYesterday in our Sunday School lesson, we discussed Galations 5:22-23. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." If we have LOVE, we automatically have the rest. And if we have that, we say kind things, pleasant things, thoughtful things. If we act with love, we don't have to fear what we've said to another.
We never know how what we've said may impact someone else's day, or even life. And this should be a way of life for us, if we condition ourselves to act in this manner, it's automatic.
I had the personal thought that if I speak kindly to others as a habit, I may not even realize I've done it. And what a happy surprise when I get to Heaven, and see stars in my crown I didn't even know I was adding. I will have so much more to lay at Jesus feet!
It is a real eye-opener for those of us who try to model the fruits of the Spirit, to be around those who don't, isn't it? It can be irritating, and really makes you resolve to do better! I pray that the words I say will lift someone up and encourage them, not drag them down and make them sad. And I pray, Lord, please bring someone into my life that needs that encouragement. Help me to be a light for them.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else have a commentary that mentions Solomon's advice here, to not be "surety" for another person? I was curious. He is not saying that it is immoral or illegal, just that sometimes it is imprudent. It can get in the way or your friendship or your family ties. I guess that is yet another way that we must guard our mouth (and seek wisdom) to know when we should "bail someone out" and when we should "sit tight."
This is a great study, Tonya. Thanks for burning the midnight oil so that we can learn!
Jacque in SC
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