Holding Your Tongue

by Donna L. Watkins

© Donna L. Watkins - Young Deer In Backyard

I've always been pretty outspoken and as you can tell from my writing, I have an outward flowing river. That has gotten me into trouble since our words and tongue can reap us many consequences. I've opened the door to the devil's dabbling many a time with my own mouth. After the words are out, they're sailing on their own. You can't take them back.

I've tried to memorize the Scriptures on controlling the tongue, but somehow don't get them deep enough to always work. I guess there are times when the pleasure of having said all is greater than the smug feeling of having been spiritual.

Sometimes I find a quote or comment that just settles in with me on areas of my life that are a challenge to control. Such is the case with this Winston Churchill quote:

"By swallowing evil words unsaid, no one has ever yet harmed his stomach."

The twist of humor in it gives me enough pleasure that I have no need for the pleasure of having spoken all my mind.

Solomon says, "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life." Proverbs 15:4