If you have been foolish in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, put your hand on your mouth. Proverbs 30:32
In other words … stop talking; shut up. Pretty simple instructions here, huh. So why is it so hard to stop our lips from running? Sometimes it’s easy. Sometimes it’s a breeze. Sometimes we wonder why other people have such a hard time with simply zipping it.
Sometimes we fail. Sometimes we don’t think twice about reining in our words until later that day when we think to ourselves, “Uh. I probably shouldn’t have said that.” Sometimes.
So why? Why are we so tempted to use the gift of words in a negative manner? According to this verse, our temptation to run a verbal muck is two fold; foolish pride and evil thinking. Both situations can be described by countless definitions and behaviors. You and I vary tremendously. As does our personal battles with pride and internal thoughts.
Agur, the author of this chapter instructs us to follow the words of Job (25:5 and 40:4) and physically shut our mouths if and when hurtful words are ready to fly like a crazy bird.
Look at me and be astonished, and put your hand over your mouth. Job 21:5
Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer You? I will lay my hand over my mouth. Job 40:4
We know the definition of foolish pride in our own hearts. We know when evil thinking overtakes our minds. These two aspects of humanity rarely need to be explained. For they are all too easily demonstrated.
My encouragement for us this day is this, Do not hang your head in shame at the truth of your personal pride and/or evil thoughts. Rather hold your head high as if you are the daughter of a King. And practice the simple act of placing your hand physically over your mouth.
Yes, physically.
It could be a finger pressed upon your upper lip as if you are pondering one of life’s deep thoughts, or your right hand softly scratching your left cheekbone (or visa-versa). Subtle.
It could be that you double fist your face, turn tail and run. Not so subtle.
The point is, however your hand and face meet, remember the ultimate goal is to save yourself from inevitable self-guilt, and to protect the heart of the potential hearer.
Sorry I forgot to come back to this email later on and then just got busy. Pride and gossip will get us in trouble everytime. And wishing we could take back our words sometimes is impossible. I know words I have said have hurt people without even realizing it. Words can be taken the wrong way many times. I am use to being in charge of my grandkids sometimes– maybe a lot with some. I have to admit Jaclyn when I am visiting with you , I sometimes forget who is in charge of Peyton and will tell him to do something while you had another plan in mind!! LOL So I will work at that, Don’t forget anything said in front of kids will often be repeated. So we do have to watch our words and try harder or we may loose friends and family we never meant to hurt.
Mom, I read your words and not one memory of you “overstepping” comes to mind. I would declare quite the opposite. You have always been so mindful of my position. You overtake my kitchen when you come out to visit. But this, we both know, is highly anticipated by all of us!!! Keep being YOU! Every human that knows you benefits from all things YOU! … And thank you for your concluding wisdom; kids repeat and people get hurt. If only these two truths motivate our kindness even more. I love you, Mom.
Thank you for the sweet reminder!
Hey, Friend, any time 🙂 Just smile your sweet smile, shrug your toned shoulders and walk away. Easy Peasy.. Love you!
:v). Amen.
Ah! Thanks for popping in and declaring, Amen! … And a little FYI … I miss your face being across the street! 🙂 xoxo