In case you didn’t read my other blog for today (May 9) …yes that’s a hint…I used a quote I had read in another source I use for my Quiet Time in the morning.
When words become weapons, our relationships soon become casualties. (May 9-Our Daily Bread)
We will often use phrases like “He likes to open mouth and insert foot” or “The mouth gets involved before the brain gets engaged.” How about this one: “The mouth often speaks before the brain is consulted”? (I know that’s bad. I just made it up).
But do consider the import of that statement. Maybe there is something to the idea that James 1:19 lists “Be quick to hear” first before “slow to speak and slow to anger.”
I seriously doubt any of us would just outright murder someone. But the Bible says if we hate our brother we are a murderer. Don’t you think the same thing can be said about the one who plays war games with his words? Slash. Slash. Dice. Mince. Cut. Chop. We are capable of doing all those with our words. Even sarcasm is dangerous when used with regularity or used when someone perceives we are serious.
Maybe it is time to STOP! Time to WEIGH OUR WORDS MORE CAREFULLY! And then really do what the Bible says to do: SPEAK ENCOURAGING WORDS.
Those are my thoughts this Wednesday afternoon. What are yours?
Sarcasm is my thing. Most of my friends know that I tend to be sarcastic (or joke with a straight face), so they take my words with a grain of salt. However, there were a couple times when people, who didn’t know me well took my words for real and it was VERY awkward… because when you start to explain that you’re just joking, it can be odd. Nothing bad happened that time, but it was a reminder that I should be careful with that.
Missed ya!
Zee
I can use sarcasm as well Zee. It backfires, as you know, when it is heard by someone who doesn’t know you. And yeah, I need to watch my words also. Been missing you also.
I’m speechless! No really. I usually don’t talk to anyone anymore. I know it’s bad…real bad!
Sometimes speechless is best but not all the time.
Speaking of your other blog, Bill, I’m so enjoying these daily devotions you offer there. One thing Ryan could help with is adding a widget that says “Notify me of follow up comments via e-mail” like it does on this blog. I have been commenting with regularity, though I have missed a time or two. 🙂
Thanks for the encouragement!
I have appreciated your comments almost every day Martha. It is encouraging. I did ask Ryan about the widget.
done and done… good suggestion Martha!
Way to go, Ryan! Thanks, Bill! 🙂
Thanks Ryan
From Pam: Even our best intentions don’t come out right if we haven’t listened first. Great advise, Bill
Ooooo… I’m guilty of more than a little sarcasm, although I do mean it in fun and don’t have any problem making fun of myself.
Words are powerful. They come from God so they’re important. I’m listening, brother!