Floods of Words!

Lord, help me control my tongue;
    help me be careful about what I say.

Psalm 141:3 

Let me say this right up front, I am, by nature, an Introvert.  That does not mean I am anti-social, or that I don't like people, or anything of the sort. As a matter of fact, I like talking with people and enjoy teaching when possible.  Being an introvert simply means, I am perfectly comfortable with silence and have no urge to fill the silence with words.

Having said that, let me ask you something...Remember in Ephesians6:10-18 where the Bulldog Apostle Paul reminds us to armor up each day before we go sauntering out into the world?  Well........one thing he doesn't mention (because they really didn't have them available at the time) was a mouth guard.  We are told over and over, throughout Scripture to "be still" and "be quiet."  But do we? Jesus often took time to get away from the crowds (or try to) so He could have some time to listen and talk with His Father. 

Have you ever heard a child talking, just to be talking, and they start repeating things they had overheard (much to the chagrin of the parents)?  One of the things I remember most about my growing older years (still haven't reached the growing up part), was to "hush" or "shush" or "be quiet."  The older I have gotten, the more I am appreciating that insistence, because whenever I talk just to fill the void of words, I usually will taste shoe because I put my foot in my mouth.

When my bride and I have the opportunity to go out, it doesn't matter where we sit (or are seated), there will eventually be either a screaming child or a VERY talkative group seated next to us.  This happens when I go to get coffee and read as well.

But look what the Psalmist says, "Please keep me from saying something hurtful, unhelpful, stupid, or just talk to keep from listening."  

I remember my Grampa once told me, "Want to keep from saying something that'll get you in trouble?  Then don't say anything!"