A conversation I had early last year reminded me how easy it is to lose your cool. I was talking to a maintenance employee at UNC – nothing deep, just catching up for “old time’s sake.” Then all of a sudden, the conversation took a turn for worst; he started ridiculing my job because it was so “easy.” Then, he cursed at me. Before I knew it, my tongue had pressed the accelerator, and I said some things that hurt his feelings.
I wish I had read the verse cited above, for the conversation would have ended differently. I’ve learned that the best way to use your mouth is to ask GOD for help. When you’ve reached your wits end, when you want to say what’s really on your mind, that’s the time to call on GOD. You don’t have to use grammatically correct sentences or quote the Bible verbatim; just plead for help. In this verse, David gives us a simple prayer to say, “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.”
I’ve used the following quote numerous times, but it’s a fitting conclusion to this email. Lady Dorothy Nevill said, “The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” If we call on GOD, HE’LL help us hold our peace, even at the tempting moment.
… Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today … (Exodus 14:13, New Living Translation)