4 Tips for Tongue Control, Bible-style

Even penguins like to get together and talk! I wonder what they say and if they need tongue control like us?This morning, an article for singles (and their mothers) caught my eye.  It asked: Should Parents Encourage Adult Children to Date? (Crosswalk@crosswalksingles.com)  A single guy and a single woman gave their responses.  The condensed answer?  Moms, keep your opinions, questions, and desires to yourself.

In the middle of a dinner conversation with six adults last night, I made a statement about a relative’s view of something—and it wasn’t well received!  I should have kept my observation and assessment to myself.

Married? The need for tongue control starts before the wedding and continues until death do us part! To help us all with this human problem, check out the following quote and tips from my newly released book, Why can’t He Be More Like ME?

“Miscommunication is a relational minefield in many marriages.”

Life gets complicated when we say things that others don’t appreciate or agree with—but what are we to do?  We have three choices:

·        Don’t say anything

·        Say what you want to say, regardless

·        Train yourself to think about how you’d feel if someone spoke to you in that way

Whether our verbal trip ups are directed toward friends or family members, here are four tips for tongue control that come from the God of all wisdom. These are truths I need to remember, and maybe you do, too.

1.      Tell yourself the truth: you can learn to think before you speak.  

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth” Eph.4:29. If God says not to let something happen, He has clearly given us the power to do it.

2.      Pray for God’s help to notice what you’re about to say and not to respond without thinking.

“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin”

Prov.13.3

3.        Make a decision NOW to not say what isn’t helpful or could create a negative reaction.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” Prov. 13.1

4.      Cultivate listening, reflecting, and choosing to speak what builds up and nourishes the person and your relationship.

“The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense” Prov. 10.21

I hope this helps you avoid those upleasant misunderstandings that none of us enjoys. Let's praise God that He can heal and restore relationships we unintentionally mess up!Want to add any comments, or advice you've found helpful in practicing tongue-control?Blessings,Poppy