Two Ears – One Mouth

On the second night of my first multi-day fishing trip to Kentucky Lake – a trip with several Godly men who have become dear friends and whom I respect and admire for where each is in his own walk of faith – we had one of those “iron sharpens iron” conversations. You know the type…where you’re talking real issues that we all (even Christians) face and as Christians, are trying to figure out the mysteries of God’s Word and how to live it out daily.

I quickly found myself in over my head. We started talking about issues that I had a limited understanding of  with limited Scriptural reference to support my understanding. I had  more questions than answers. As the discussion unfolded, it was clear that the other men in the group had a deeper understanding of the topic, and I was struggling to keep up with all the Scripture references that were being used. So much so that I had to start writing the Scripture verses down just so I could go back on my own later to study them better. As I sat there soaking all the discussion in, I found the advice of a coworker friend coming to mind: “Better to keep your mouth shut and have people think you’re an idiot than to say something and confirm it for them.”

Do you struggle with this sometimes? Do you have a hard time controlling your temper? Have a problem with anger? Fly off the handle and lose your cool under pressure? Feel like you need to chime in on every conversation taking place near you? Have issues controlling your tongue? Well if you answered yes to any of those, welcome to the club…you’re not alone.

Scripture has A LOT to say about this:

“The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding. Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent, discerning when he seals his lips.” – Proverbs 17:27-28

“My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. For man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness….If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself.” – James 1:19-20;26

“for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.” – James 3:2

These are just a few of the MANY verses God has given us to help us in this area of our life.  The first 12 verses of James 3 provide for us a great picture of how powerful our words are and the importance of controlling what we say. I’m happy to report that I was successful in my quest to soak in the knowledge during that discussions rather than trying to contribute and stumbling all over myself. My biggest problem, though, is controlling my tongue when I’m angry or frustrated. Prayerfully, I’ll win that battle the next time my anger flares up at something or someone. The wisest man in the room is, more often than not, the one who knows God gave us two ears and only one mouth so we might listen more than we speak.

Love,

Dad

Is this something you struggle with too? Have you learned how to overcome it?  Pray this prayer, or something similar, to overcome this and win the battle.

Lord, please indwell your Spirit in my heart and mind that I might feel Your presence before I speak…and know that what I say will either turn people toward You or away from You.  May all I say and do be a magnet that draws others to You.  Amen!