When Words Are Many

A Psalm of David
Psalm 4:4
"Don't sin by letting anger control you.  Think about it over night and remain silent." NLT
"In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent."  NIV

I appreciate reading these two versions of Psalm 4:4 side by side.  It brings everything together for me.  When I feel as though I've been wronged, it is very easy for me to call up a friend and vent.  In my anger I spout off all the reasons why I have been ill treated and why, in fact, I am in the right.... or so I would like to think.  When anger causes the action, sin is rarely absent.  

Proverbs 10:19  "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."


Have you heard the phrase "just sleep on it for a night"?  Well, as hard as it may be, I have now found scripture to back this statement up!  Giving good thought and reason to a situation always involves the Lord.  Pray, pray, and pray some more!  Read, read, and read the scriptures more!
After sufficient time of delving in yourself, allowing your temper to cool, and giving the Lord time to work on your heart, if it is still unresolved in your mind, I also believe it is Biblical to go to someone who is mature in their faith and will give you fair counsel on the issue.  It can help give us a better understanding and view of the situation.

Proverbs 19:20  "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise."


Proverbs 12:15  "The way of the fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice."


I like how the New International Version says to search your heart and be silent.  I need to first examine why it is I feel so wronged.  Sometimes the thing that drives us crazy about someone else is a trait that we find in ourselves.  And even if this isn't the case, I have to remember that there are two sides to a coin.  Perhaps that person feels wronged by me?  Or why does the other person feel they are so right and I am wrong?  Examine all sides and give a fair assessment.

Luke 6:41  "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"

Father, help my words to be few.  When in a hard situation, give me the wisdom to go first to YOU, and then to seek the counsel of someone you've put in my life.  Give me an attitude of love and grace, Lord.  Keep my heart in check.  See if their is any offensive way in me and correct it, I pray.  Thank you for your grace and for never giving up on me.