Proverbs 21:23,  "Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble."

Think

"Are you talking just to talk?" Have you ever had to run the stadium steps of shame and regret because you said too much? You just couldn't stop talking. The Bible verse above clearly tells us to watch our tongue, keep our mouth shut, and we'll stay out of trouble. In short, limit your words. Why? There is a correlation between talking too much and getting into trouble. Empty words are so common in today's culture. We throw words around without realizing their impact on others; without thinking about how they are communicating what we think, who we are, and what we know. Our words should be limited because the words we do say should be meaningful. Speaking less also gives us more time to LISTEN. We read yesterday, that as Christ-followers, God gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us. In a conversation, you might feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit saying "You've said enough. Let the other person talk." Remember, a conversation is a two-way street. Listen to the other person and look them in the eye. Get involved with what they are saying and respond with meaningful, thoughtful words!

Act

As you go about your day today, be present in the conversations you have and be mindful of your words. Think before you speak and listen to the Holy Spirit when he nudges you.

Pray

Lord, give me fresh eyes in my conversations today. Help me to know when to listen and when to speak. In Jesus' name, Amen.