day no. 16,111: watch your words

"Two things to remember in life. Take care of your thoughts when you are alone, and take care of your words when you are with people." -- Anonymous

We always should be watching our mouths. When we're alone, it's the words of our thoughts; when we're with others, it's the word out of our mouths.

Proverbs 10:19

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin:

but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

This is true of internal and external dialogues.

When we are on our own, we don't tend to think about this, but our internal dialogue sometimes needs to be shut down or redirected. We need to know what to do when our internal tongue wags. We need to watch our internal mouths and turn our unspoken words to God.

Philippians 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

When we are with others, we are more aware of what we are saying. That said, we have all said things we wish we hadn't. 

James 3:1-2

My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. Same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

So, all that to say, be slower to run your mouth or to let your thoughts run wild. Do not subject others to thoughtless words and do not subject yourself to the tyranny of endless, wordless thoughts. Do the hard work of watching your words, wherever they are.

James 1:19

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak.

Be less quick to listen to yourself and quicker to listen to others. Be slower to speak to others and quicker to speak back to your thoughts and you will be blessed.

Proverbs 21:23-31

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.