Choose Peace by Holding Your Tongue

Yesterday I talked about how a wife can use Proverb 31 to help us win over an unbelieving husband with our behavior, not our words. I don't know about everyone else, but I struggle with holding my tongue. I am often outspoken and sometimes abrasive when I know I should be silent.

Like many things, God is working on me with it. So today I specifically pulled out some scripture that would help me gain a better knowledge of the benefits of remaining quiet. At this point in my growth, I realize I would rather have peace than fight to be "right".

Proverbs again has been a great source of scripture based on wisdom and being wise. Being able to hold your tongue certainly qualifies as being wise it would seem.

"Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent."
Proverbs 17: 27-28

"Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble." Proverbs 21:23

"A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike; to restrain her is to restrain the wind or to grasp oil in one's right hand." Proverbs 27:15

I struggle with my mouth and what comes out of it, but I find that it all starts in my mind. Sometimes I ponder a situation so long and make assumptions and jump to conclusions; in the end, I can't seem to hold it in. This is what I am working on. Have been working on and making some progress. I think the key to being able to keep quiet is to realize that our words are not having the effect we want.

We already know we are to win over a nonbeliever with behavior, not words. So why do we feel the need to nag and keep harping on a subject. If they don't believe, they won't hear our complaints or concerns in the right spirit anyway.

So, I consider it best to try to hold your words when you are in doubt as to the benefit of them. Consider the effect your words will have. If there is no gain to be had, keep your own counsel.

Resources
Day 41 - Essential Scripture For Wives Of Unbelievers

English Standard Version Bible Online - Proverbs 17

English Standard Version Bible Online - Proverbs 21

English Standard Version Bible Online - Proverbs 27