This is not what I had on my mind to blog about today. But during my quiet time this morning, God spoke to my heart. I just could not get the Proverbs 31 woman out of my head. I’ve learned over the years that when God nudges, I had better sit up and listen.
This girl right here likes to talk, a lot. And as we can see from Proverbs 10:19, when there are a lot of words there is a lot of room for there to be slip-ups. I cannot count how many times I’ve put my foot in my mouth. The Proverbs 31 woman didn’t neglect her mind, she filled it with wisdom from Gods word. Wisdom that allowed her to pick and choose her words carefully. Wisdom of when to speak, and when to not.
She speaks with wisdom and teachers others to be loving and kind, using her own words as an example. She is slow to speak and her words are like a honeycomb. She adds value to the conversations she is part of. When she talks, it’s definitely something worth hearing. And I can almost guarantee she never once referred to her husband as her “old man”. Her words were always respectful and when people refer to their spouses that way (which irritates me) it isn’t showing respect at all.
This noble woman would never participate in gossip or cut others down during conversations. As women, we simply love to discuss things, especially when we can enlighten someone else about an issue that they are uninformed about. Why this brings such recreation to us, i wish i knew, but this is simply the nature of women as God created us. God does not seem to distinguish between whether the information is true or false or bad. The scriptures simply say that we are a gossiper if we reveal the secret. If we conceal the secret, we are of a faithful spirit. Gossip is bad. Period. We disappoint God when we listen to gossip or spread gossip ourselves. We need to show God our faithfulness by not participating in the spreading of other people’s secrets.
As I’ve said before, this girl likes to talk. And I totally admit at times my conversations would absolutely be considered gossip. Over the past few years, God has really strengthened my walk. Through that, I’ve noticed something new occurring. When a conversation is taking a turn towards gossip, I get a little pang inside me that warns me. Danger Will Robinson, danger. This is the Holy Spirit revealing the truth, convicting me of my sin and appealing to my conscience. And I sure need to sit up and listen.
The Proverbs 31 woman had a filter and stopped herself from saying anything that wasn’t kind. Her words were filled to the brim with grace, faithfulness, kindness and mercy. Can you say that? I know I can’t. So many days the first thought that hits my mind comes straight out of my mouth. And this girl right here, sadly, she has a big mouth. And a small bit of a temper. But I am learning to control my tongue. There are times to speak up and speak truth, but seek Gods wisdom and discernment to know those times.
As Christian women, our speech should be completely different than what the world’s speech looks like. This takes me back to last February. I was having my pre-surgery appointment and getting my kidney removed the next day. It was just a normal norm day for me. As the nurse started taking my medical history, and it never seemed to end, she stared at me in amazement. I’ve always ended my story with how many blessings it was filled with along the way {which it totally was thanks to Him}. The nurse started crying and rushed over to hug me. She told me more people should be like me and go through their trials with smiles on their faces. You never know who God is going to bring into your life for you to touch with your words!! Are you going to be a Negative Nancy or Positive Patsy? Remember, our words are part of our testimony!
Did you ever feel like He is trying to drive His point home? While I was writing this I was listening to the radio. Words by Hawk Nelson came on and directly afterwards Let Them See You by Colton Dixon played. I cannot tell you much I love love love when He does that! Just when I’m questioning if that was what He really wanted me to write today, He gave me the answer. Loud and clear!!!
