Treating the Foot-in-Mouth Disorder

 

   

Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.   Prov. 29:20 (NIV)

 

Ah, the foot-in-mouth syndrome. A pesky disorder,  with a decidedly unpleasant outcome.  Some of us seem more susceptible to suffer from it, but truthfully, we all have the potential to blurt out words inadvisably.

What can we do to avert the plight of speaking hastily?  The Bible is full of advice and teaching on the subject of tongue.  The Word of God acknowledges that it is difficult to "tame." So how do we, mere mortals, learn to keep our mouths under control?

The most obvious answer is that we must be people of the Word.  We must know what the Word says, and what it says we should say!  Or not say.  We have to be yielded to the Holy Spirit so that when we start down a slippery slope, we will hear Him crying out, "Close your mouth, avoid disaster!" 

Secondly, we must learn to run everything through a filter.  Are our words "seasoned with salt that the hearer may be uplifted?" (Col. 4:6, paraphrased.)  If not, we must swallow our words- hard- and keep them to ourselves. When we think wrong thoughts, we are wise to avoid speaking them aloud.  Internal dialogue only requires repentance to God.  External dialogue requires repentance to God and others.

Sometimes, perhaps the best strategy is to hold our tongue entirely.  There is great anointing in holding our peace, and it enables us to hold on to our peace.

I find that the more  eeway I allow my flesh in general, the more latitude my tongue seems to take on its own.  Angry?  Bitter?  Full of unforgivness?  Be careful! You are likely to spring a leak via the pressure valve of the mouth.

O, God, what can I say?  I fail you over and over again.  Help me, Lord to have a heart filled with light and a mouth full of grace.    In Jesus' Name.  Amen.