|
Nov. 29, 2006
Pleasant Words
For a few weeks now the message in my quiet time has been very repetitive. It is obvious what God is trying to teach me and I hope that I can learn the lesson easily. Knowing and putting to practice are two entirely different things. Back before Thanksgiving I read this verse Prov. 16:21 "The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction." - I wrote this in my quiet time "I need to use pleasant words when instructing so my children will learn a wise heart."
The very next day I read on Prov. 16: 22-23 "Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools. A wise man's heart guides his mouth and his lips promote instruction." Well here I am a home educator who certainly needs to promote instruction! So for the second day The Lord is dealing with me on my mouth and my lips. Did you ever notice how downcast a child gets when you speak harshly, rashly, in anger, without patience and understanding to them? Ouch! I know I have done that. I must remember that pleasant words promote instruction.
On Nov. 10th I read Prov. 16:24 "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." I wrote this in my quiet time: "Again with pleasant words being good for the soul - we need to get this point!" Do you see a pattern developing? There is a definite theme to the message here. I remember when my 2 oldest children were very small and we were waiting at the Dr. office- I would talk so softly to them, they would obey, and I wouldn't get stressed out - just talk softly and keep calm. Someone commented to me that I was so patient with them and they were so good. Isn't it easy to get frustrated and talk to our children in an angry tone "I said.... Why haven't you..... Don't do....Why did you... ughhhh" when truly Pleasant Words promote instruction! I know it's true - I need to put it into practice now.
So you'd think that was all the reminder I needed right? Wrong? Nov. 12th - Prov. 16:27-28 "A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." This is getting a little painful now! I dont want to be any of these things - How I regret some of the things I have said in the past!
Then on Sunday our church had unsung heros day and we honored the educators. Since I am a home educator I was included... and the message was directed to me! Our pastor delivered an excellent sermon and amongst his points were .... you guessed it..... the power of our words! Again The Lord is dealing with me on my words. I didnt' realize I needed so much remediation in this area! (you can listen to the podcast on the My Church Podcasts link on my sidebar - the sermon was Nov. 18th.)
Well, I forgot my quiet time booklet at home when we left for Thanksgiving, so I had some time to ponder these tings I've been learning, and (even harder) try to practice them. I guess I didn't do so well because when I got back I started with Nov. 27th (I try to keep with what the date actually is so I skipped the 17th-23rd) surley we were past that by now - NOPE! - still need to hear it Prov 17:27 "A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered." I must tell you that ocassionally I catch a virus called diarreah of the mouth! I have learned many things about that virus so I try to avoid it - but the flesh is weak. How foolish I must come across when that virus hits. A man of knowledge uses words with restraint!
Still learning on Nov. 28th. Prov. 17:28 - 18:2 "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgement. A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions." Well at least I can fake wisdom if I can just hold my tongue haha. Have you ever been in a conversation just waiting for a break so you can say what you think? I have, and I get so frustrated whan people keep popping in and don't give me that opportunity. I just want every one to hear my opinion on the matter because after all I"M RIGHT! Boy, that last verse stompped on my toes. A fool.... delights in airing his own opinions.
This morning Prov. 18:6-7 A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul." I think this lesson is going to be life-long, but if I can learn it will save me lots of strife, beating and snares to my soul!
The Bible is so full of wisdom and I am so thankful for a God that hasn't quit teaching me. I am glad that He knows what I need and he is still working on me! Just like the song I learned as a kid
"He's still workin' on me,
to make me what I aught to be.
It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars,
the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars,
How loving and patient He must be.
He's STILL workin' on ME."
|
| •
Post A Comment! •
Send to a Friend!
|
Comments
|
|
|
|
