A Word Left Unsaid

I know there are instances where words left unsaid have caused great hurt. In my life, it is most often the opposite case. There are words I should not have said. Too often I feel the need to make conversation. Other times I want to see if others think about something the way that I do. This is not all bad except when what is said may cause hurt to another person. I was reminded the other day that words I say to people maybe need to be said to God instead. God is trustworthy and is the one who can actually do something about how I feel. Another person may be sympathetic but they also could break your confidence by telling words that were just between you to another person. It is very convicting when you are asked if you said something about a person. At that moment, you know the best thing to do is admit your sin and ask forgiveness. Yikes! That is a hard and humbling thing. It is also a great example where words left unsaid would have been a good thing. I could try to blame it on the other person for betraying a confidence but in reality the words should not have been said.

Proverbs has much to say about words and what we say. To begin with Proverbs 9 has more than one verse that ends with the phrase, “a chattering fool comes to ruin.” (So much for just trying to make conversation.) Then in verse 9, Solomon says, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” In chapter 12 verse 18, it says, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Isn’t it just like God for those verse to be in my reading for the week? I so want my words to bring healing and not hurt especially in relation to my children.

So this week, I am trying to be slow to speak and to not speak unless necessary. This will not be an easy task. Old habits die hard. What instructions are necessary for my students and own children? What is just lecturing? Some things I am not sure about. One thing I do know is that my words need to be truthful, kind and necessary. I also don’t need to be afraid of silence. Most of all, I need to take all my frustrations to the Father instead of people. He alone knows what I need and how to change me to do what I need to do.

Dear God who Hears, May I be slow to speak and when I do speak may my words be full of grace. May my words bring healing. God, also teach me to be silent. Teach me to be a woman of few words. Only in Your Son’s Name, Amen