Never Let Emotion Control Your Words

Aren't you glad you aren't the standard for what is right when interacting with others? Seriously, if my emotions were the standard, communication would be crazy!

Sometimes I feel like knocking some sense into someone (or just giving them a piece of my mind), but God says: "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)

Sometimes when in controversy I want to say my side of the story and not listen to anyone else, but God says: "The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him." (Proverbs 18:17)

Often when I'm in a negative attitude I just want to complain to others, but God says: "A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back." (Proverbs 29:11)

After hearing a negative report about someone, I might want to share it with someone else, but God says: "A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter." (Proverbs 11:13)

Thank God that He has made a standard, and that we are not that standard!

There are so many scriptures on communication -- saying how we need to be honest, not listen to lies, promote health and not hurt others, and so much more. (Just search for the word tongue in the Bible.)  God's word is so rich!

I'll conclude with Ephesians 4:29-32:

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.