Another Ouch

This morning my devotional reading was about our talk. In Christian circles, we hear about our "walk" lining up with our "talk" pretty often. I just wish we were successful at it as often as we hear about it! Here are a few key verses:

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:29-32).

"Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it" (Psalm 34:12-14).

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18).

"The tongue has the power of life and death" (Proverbs 18:21a).

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water" (James 3:9-12).

As Solomon says in Proverbs 17:28, "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue." So I'll just sign off here and let God's words speak for themselves. Oh--do remember that God is available for you to ask Him for help to live as He wants you to. Remember also that when we live as He wants us to, we make Him look good--and that's our ultimate purpose in this life and the next.