Thursday, August 27
Whoever blesses a neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing.
—Proverbs 27:14
We usually think this applies only to words of anger and dissatisfaction. Yet, even words of joy, blessing, and celebration can be let loose at inappropriate times. What is crucial is not the words themselves, but what is behind the words.
If we are too attached to our need to say what we want to say,we can be oblivious to the environment in which our words will be heard. Even a blessing spoken without thoughtfulness can feel like a curse.
If someone is getting sorely needed rest, and we loudly proclaim from the adjacent room “I love you, honey!,” words that are usually welcome and affirming can instead become unwanted disturbances, simply because of the context in which they are delivered.
In order to share words at the right time and in the right way,we need to prepare our souls through extended silence and listening. Heaven speaks to us always in ways that are appropriate,even when we are inattentive and unaware.
In the silence of God's presence, we can learn how to do this in our own lives and relationships. When we take the time to develop restraint over our mouths, we will be taught how to moderate our speech when we unloose our lips.
Gracious God, give me the wisdom to be discriminating about the words I speak and the time in which I speak them.
