BORN AGAIN: HASTY SPEECH TO WORDS OF WISDOM

DAY ONE: The Lying Tongue

DAY TWO: The Flattering Tongue

DAY THREE: The Manipulating Tongue

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DAY FOUR: The Hasty Tongue

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Over the years, I would not be able to count all the times that Steve has given me "the look". He'll be talking... making a point... and I will cut in and finish his sentence (usually incorrectly) or I'll just completely "cut him off at the pass". My hasty speech most often comes in ways of interrupting another person while we are in conversation.

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When our now 24 year old son was in middle school, he said something several times that really got my attention. "My mom is like a stoplight: GO! YIELD! STOP! Then, GO again!" What did he mean? Well here is my interpretation: I would be hasty in saying or doing something - plowing ahead. Then, I would slow down. Then, I would stop, pray, and regroup. Then, I would GO again the right way... God's way...

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Powerful insight from such a young mind!

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God gave us two ears and one mouth! Ever wonder why? LISTENING WILL BLESS... SO SPEAK LESS... Scripture puts it this way in James 1:19...

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My dear brothers,

take note of this:

Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak...

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Other scripture (with the female rendering inserted) tells us....

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Proverbs 29:20

Do you see a woman who is hasty in her words?

There is more hope for a fool than for her...

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Ecclesiastes 5:22

Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in speech

to bring up a matter in the presence of God.

For God is in heaven and you are on the earth;

therefore let your words be few.

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The author of our study guide says, "Time and words are two things that, once gone, can never be recovered. We must take time to weigh our words before we release them.

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Yesterday, Steve and I spent some much needed "down time". We headed for the "Jersey shore" to Ocean City. There we met up with two couples from church: Jim and Claire and Tom and Melva. You might recognize Melva's name as the one who is leading our "Taming Your Tongue" class on Tuesdays at the Pitman church.

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The six of us had a wonderful time on a cold and overcast Friday as we ate lunch together, took in the sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean, walked the Ocean City boardwalk, bought some gifts, and then had an early twilight meal ("senior citizen experience") at the Crab Trap (South Jersey's number one seafood restaurant).

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What did I notice the most in our day?

• Of course, God's amazing creation.
  
• Six people who wanted to discuss spiritual things and share life experiences.
  
• The topic of TAMING THE TONGUE was discussed throughout the day, as we are being challenged daily by this study and directives of scripture of how to use our tongues.

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It was a chilly and overcast September 11th. As we first crossed the bridge into Ocean City, an American flag, hanging high from a crane, reminded us. We weren't too far down the shore from where those tragic scenes, embedded in our minds, took place eight years ago. Here are some pics of our yesterday:

James 3:17-1817

But the wisdom from above is first pure,

then peaceable,

gentle,

reasonable,

full of mercy and good fruits,

unwavering,

without hypocrisy.

And the seed whose fruit is righteousness

is sown in peace

by those who make peace.