Looking back through recent (and not so recent) posts, this whole voice/no voice thing has been much on my mind and my thoughts and my focus. “All right, all ready!” I said to myself. “God, I just want to be done with this; I’m tired of all the scatteredness this is causing in my walk with you and in the peace in my soul. I just want this done and settled.”
Quiet.
Listening.
And here’s what God said through His eternal, awesome, unfathomable, specific Word. . .
” When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
(Proverbs 10:19 ESV)
Ouch.
Prudent – adj.
1. Wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgment or common sense.
2. Careful in regard to one’s own interests; provident.
3. Careful about one’s conduct; circumspect.
I think the biggest “ouch” in this correction is the amount of self-control and personal decision that is evident. Restraint comes in making a decision to restrain oneself; being “careful” requires a decision to take care; exercising good judgment entails developing the muscles of discipline and self-control.
So. . .if I keep talking even though I know it’s not in my best interest, I am choosing to sin. It’s not a “well, I’ll talk now and just take some pain meds later. . .” I am choosing to go against the path God has set before me. That’s sin. When I don’t choose to “restrain my lips” I am not only choosing to sin, but I am also not exercising good judgment; I’m not using the common sense God gave me just for this situation; I’m not acting in my own best interest; I’m not being prudent.
Hopefully this will be my last post on the struggle; future posts about my vocal cords will be a praise to a merciful God who has enabled me to “say no” and follow the path He has laid before me.
Lord, I am so pleading for grace! I love Your mercy; I love how wonderfully specific You are! Thank You for Your forgiveness, Your pursuit of me. You are truly wonderful. . .
Plea for Grace 