A Time to Speak

[Jesus] said to [the multitude], "Hear Me, everyone, and understand: There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man... For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
(Mark 7:14-15,21-22 NKJV)

"Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known." (Luke 12:1-2 NKJV)

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven...
A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1,7-8 NKJV)

A few thoughts on speaking and silence.

How many times do our words reveal far more of our hearts that we might have liked exposed? Though wisdom preaches, "Let your words be few," simply holding one's tongue doesn't clean out the bad stuff in the heart.

The art of silence has begun to grow on me, albeit ever so slowly. Among the benefits are the volumes gained by listening, and knowing more clearly when a time to speak is at hand. And when a time to speak arrives, perhaps a voice is better heard if it has not become a drone.

Today is a time to speak sincere words of thanks from a grateful heart. A discontent heart will not be hidden, especially if words of thanks are countered with words of complaining and covetousness.

Almighty God, You are the Creator of our tongues and our hearts. Please forgive us for all the times they shame You rather than bring You glory. Thank you for the multitude of blessings You shower upon us. Please make our hearts pure, that out of their abundance Your words might be spoken.

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Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy