Lying in bed last night I came across this verse in Proverbs 13;
Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
As an admitted talkaholic, this one hit me square in the…well…mouth. I think I know the truth of this. I just don’t practice it nearly as much as I should. I am trying though.
In fact, I’ve tried something recently when heading into group meetings or discussions. One of the first things I do is look at the clock and make a commitment to not speak for the first 10 minutes. Not a word. Not a question. Not a remark. Nothing. Unless, of course, someone actually asks me a question. (No sense being rude.)
Amazing how much I learn when I just shut up and listen. Amazing how much trouble I can get into when I open my mouth. Especially when no actual thought has gone into what I’m going to say.
Once heard someone say, “God gave you two ears and one mouth. Catch the hint.”
Ouch.
