Why, oh why, can’t I just shut up? I know we aren’t suppose to say shut up but I personally just need to shut up sometimes.

“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” (Prov 17:27-28 NLT)  

Why, oh why, do I always think I have to give my opinion thinking it is the answer to every person’s problem? What is it in me that needs to talk all the time?

“Dear friends, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19 NLT)  

Where does this arrogance come from that values my opinion so much more than others?

I can’t tell you the number of times that I wished I had never said something. They are innumerable. But there haven’t been but a few times that I walked away from someone regretting not having said something. I am always asking my wife did I say too much in that conversation? I ask this because intuitively I know I did.

Jesus is such a great role model of when to speak: “…The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative,….” John 14:10

Whoaa! How could anyone be that close to God and that self controlled?

Hmmm! I guess that is the key. I need to get my value from closeness to God and not others opinion of my opinion and self-control.

Holy Spirit Come! I need your fruit of self control! With extra power at that!

Here is my toast to silence – or at least slowness!