This is the first time I am participating in “Into the Word Wednesday”. To Falen & Laura from the Upward Not Inward blog: please accept my apologies off the front end if I end up with the craziest post ever! I have been reading these posts for some time now. I decided a week or two ago that I would give this a shot!  You can go to their awesome blog by going to http://www.upwardnotinward.blogspot.com

I have been recently reading through Proverbs & now am in Ecclesiastes. One of the things I want to share this week is about how relevant these two books are, even now. I have been so delightfully encouraged about what the book of Proverbs says about controlling our mouths. I will admit I need to hear these verses, just as much as anyone.

Proverbs 26:20
Where there is no wood, the fire goes out: And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.

Proverbs 6:16
These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood.
18 A heart the devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among the brethren.

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.

Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

Proverbs 12: 18
There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

These are just some of the verses that have spoken volumes to me. The moral to this story is, Yes, yes I can keep my mouth shut & it’s ok. It’s pretty much what God wants. I don’t have to comment on everything. I don’t have to have my ears open to gossip. I don’t have to pass judgment on someone else. I don’t have to keep the fire stoked with unkindness & bitterness. Proverbs is a wonderful reminder of what it takes to be moral & righteous. If you haven’t read over it in a while or at all, you should take time to read it. This book in the old testament is sure not to disappoint.

I hope my thoughts today have blessed you in some way. Go on over to Upward Not Inward & link up to Into the Word Wednesday. It is a wonderful link up where we tell what we have learned & what has inspired us, as we have been “into the word.” I hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday. Thanks for stopping by & visiting with me. I have to be going now, because I should be washing clothes!