Have you ever felt the urge to respond to a statement or a question in a snarky manner?
I’m guessing we all have at some point in our lives. A sarcastic or snarky tone are some of the ways we use to get our displeasure across.
As I was going through my devotional Bible, a devotion jumped out at me, titled ‘Hold Your Tongue’, with the anchor verse of Proverbs 10:19 which states “when words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.“
The couple in the devotion argued about everything, including the names of colors, and it was quietly eroding their marriage.
As my eyes scanned the opposite page, I noticed that there were a few more verses that dealt with this. Verses 20 and 21 state “the tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.”
As I sat wide eyed looking at the seemingly harsh verses, I believe there is a powerful lesson why likely, Solomon, the author of Proverbs included these. They may seem harsh, but they are guiding principles for how we should live and for us to think carefully on how we speak and interact with others.
Sometimes, instead of a sarcastic response, the wisest thing you can do is to hold our tongues. I will be the first person to tell you that can be very difficult. I can also tell you that words can do great harm.
How many of us still remember cruel words tossed out in the heat of an exchange?
Before you respond the way you are tempted to, think of this verse found in the Proverbs 4:7 which states “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get Wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Friends, sometimes the wisest thing we can do is to hold our tongue, even if it means physically holding our tongues. I know that imagery is a little gross, but if you’re physically holding your tongue, you literally will not be able to speak.
And I must say this, I encourage you to ask for Wisdom to know when you need to speak and when you need to hold your tongue because I am confident the Lord will answer.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your guidance of when we need to hold our tongues and when we need to speak. Would you make it abundantly clear for which circumstances necessitate which response?