I made a choice to keep my mouth shut today. If you know me, this is no easy feat.
I’ve always been a heart of my sleeve person, thinking anything less is a lie. But I had a choice today.
I could say what I was thinking or I could keep it to myself.
You should know this was nothing earth shattering. It wasn’t an instance of stuffing feelings down or choosing not to tell something important. It was an opportunity for me to choose.
And I chose to keep it to myself.
It felt huge at the time, but I noticed something interesting. The world kept going. I kept going. It didn’t end things. It didn’t even change things very much. But it did show that I was choosing someone else over me.
For me, giving my opinion is the easier option. It’s in my nature. When I was little a counselor once asked my mom how it felt to have her inner child walking around next to her all the time. Yeah, that’s me. I like to be heard. Quiet and reserved is not in my nature.
As I’ve gotten older I have realized that is not an excuse to think my opinion is the only one, my voice must be heard and that I’m always right. Sometimes things come naturally, but wisdom teaches us when to utilize them.
Just because something comes naturally doesn't mean we should do it all of the time. Wisdom is the key. Share on XGod talks about wisdom throughout the Bible. In Colossians 2:3 He refers to wisdom as a treasure and earlier in Proverbs 3:13 He calls those who find wisdom blessed. Throughout the Bible wisdom is praised.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
James 3:17
This is what I long for in my life: purity, peace, mercy, fruit, sincerity. All of this stems from wisdom. And the beautiful part is that we can ask Him for it. As we walk through daily life, we can draw closer to His presence and seek heavenly wisdom.
That sounds a lot better than anything I could say just to be heard.
In what area do you need wisdom? Comment below and I will pray for you today!
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That passage from James says it all, doesnt it, Rebecca. Most of us could use a lot less time with our mouths open and our hearts closed.
😉
So true!
This sounds like a crossroads I came to last night too. I wanted to say something to my husband but knew that saying it would hurt his feelings. I hesitated but then opened my mouth and inserted my foot anyway! The moment for wisdom was right there, mine for the taking, Rebecca, but I refused to “choose” it. Great post, my friend! I’ll be pinning and sharing this for sure!
Thank you, friend! It can be so hard to choose wisdom (even if it’s right in front of us!) I’m so grateful for the grace to keep trying.
(and thanks for sharing!)
I went through a season of real exhaustion a few years ago, and I learned that on Sunday evening, by the time we had navigated two services and all the other pile of Sunday duties that nothing good could come from my sharing opinions or making decisions. That was such a helpful insight, and I curbed my tongue to just the basics.
I’m grateful God put that thought in my head, because the habit is there and when I’m feeling particularly tired or out of sorts, I shift into quiet mode and save EVERYONE a lot of angst.
Such good wisdom in this, Michele! I love that you understood what you needed and that you heeded it in your life. What a blessing!
Isn’t that the truth?!?!? We have a natural tendency to say the negative but we can learn to speak what needs to be spoken and pray about the hard things until we can speak with grace and love.
It should all be in grace and love! Amen!
Good thoughts, Rebecca. This is one of the hardest things for me: knowing when to be quiet and when to speak up. Normally I am quiet when I should say something. But in Bible study, I can blather on (’cause it’s about the Bible so it’s all good stuff, right? 🙂 ), and just recently I’ve felt the need to be watchful that I’m not taking excess time or discouraging someone else from joining in the discussion.
Yes! I’ve been in that position, too. Just because I have the answer (or the question) doesn’t mean I need to say it. Grateful for grace in the process!
I need to sit with some of these things you said today. laurensparks.net
Praying God meets you in the quiet place.
This is great, Rebecca! I should keep my mouth shut pretty much all the time! LOL
Pinned & tweeted.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Ha! Don’t do that! WE’d miss your voice!
I too, have learned that wisdom, not that there was an inner child add her two cents worth, or yell, but the daughter of the king who needed to learn, a time to speak, and a time to be silent.
Yes, there are seasons! And He is so faithful to show us when we listen!
Oh, that’s me, too! I have opinions and ideas, and I’ve struggled for wisdom on when to keep quiet and when to speak up.
It is all about that wisdom!
Thank you for this wonderful reminder, Rebecca! Yes, we need wisdom and we need to let the Holy Spirit override our natural tendencies and inclinations. I recently prayed about this special fruit of the Spirit – the self-control – that God develops and matures it in me. Pinned and tweeted!
Self-control is so tricky for me. Truly. But I’m grateful for grace in the learning process. (And thanks for sharing!)
Rebecca, I always have something to say; however, I choose to keep my mouth shut most of the time. I am a truth-teller and indeed, truth might set us free but oft times it hurts. So, unless Holy Spirit is jumping up and down inside me I keep it to myself. But, there are times HE calls me to speak and THEN it is always life-changing not because of me but because of HIM!!! Great post – but they always are.
You’re so sweet! Yes, learning when to speak is directly tied to heeding the Holy Spirit. And it is so powerful when He uses our voice.
Rebecca, I loved this post as I have been learning there is wisdom in keeping some thoughts unsaid. I have teased with my family that I have a roll of invisible duct tape that the Lord applies to enable me to keep quiet. Much wisdom in this post!
*By the way, He’s on His third roll since He began teaching me this lesson. 🙂
LOL! I love it!
Beautiful and timely. It’s hard for me to keep my mouth shut too. It’s funny how I’m my 50s I found my voice, but I also discovered that it’s not the end of the world (or me) if I don’t use it! Thank you for linking this post to #GatheringofFriendsLinkParty 6. Sharing
Isn’t it funny how we learn things (and heed them) as we age. So grateful
Knowing when to speak and when to keep silent is sometimes tricky. And then actually doing it requires another level of discipline. 🙂 Thanks for this reminder to keep trying anyway.
It sure does!
Oh, yes, Rebecca. I am with you. I can learn so much when I keep my mouth shut, but for some reason, I always feel the need to share. Thank you for this great reminder!
Me too! But God is good in showing me that I can be quiet and He hears the things that I hold back (good and bad).
Our home group is starting a new series this month and we were asked what we wanted to fight for (for ourselves) – what did we want to work on. I couldn’t find the words to describe it, until I saw this post and James 3:17! Thanks for posting this. Saw it on The Happy Now link party. XXOO
Yay! I’m so glad it helped give you clear vision!
I just cant tell you how much I love this post. Thanks for linking up at the #GatheringofFriendsLinkParty 6 Pinned
Thanks 🙂
Great insight, Rebecca. This is the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Learning to choose and decide the best response or no response. It’s hard for me also to not speak up and say something…anything. But a wise woman learns when silence is the best thing in the moment!
Amen!
I enjoyed your post. There is a reason why God gave us 2 ears and one mouth. I love the slogan, “Think.” Is it truthful? Is it honest? Is it intelligent? Is it necessary? Is it kind? If my thought meets all these criteria, it may be OK to say it out loud. As I hate making apologies, I try to keep my mouth shut if the comment is hurtful. Helps keep the peace and as I run my thought thru that list, I often find the comment isn’t needed! I love the funny little prayer, “God, keep Your arm around me today, and keep Your hand over my mouth!” Too true!
Amen and amen!