You know my folly oh Lord, my guilt is not hidden from you

Speaking to others is my strength.  It is also my weakness.  Yesterday I talked over a friend.  She was gracious enough to let me know that I had hurt her feelings.  I apologized, but an apology did not seem to be enough.   I am thankful that she let me know.  Her actions helped me see where I can do better.

Today in my daily devotion, Proverbs15 had many verses regarding the tongue and mouth.  Proverbs 15:2, 4, 7, 14, 28   2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. 4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright. 14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. 28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

Proverbs 15 ends with sound advice.  32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but those who heed correction gain understanding. 33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.
Once again, I learned that the tongue can and should be used for good:  soothing, spread knowledge, weigh your answers before you use your tongue.  The disregard of using your tongue results in: crushing the spirit, shows that we are fools, feeds our folly, gushes evil, the result is we despise ourselves.  I need to heed my tongue, seek God’s knowledge before I speak, weigh my answers. 

My prayer to the Lord: forgive me Lord for my bursts of folly, help me to listen, listen, listen, listen.  Help me to focus on you, your wisdom, my words come from knowledge that you provide.  Help me, Help me, Help me.  I want to be led by you.  "For the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10b)