the say sumtin’s

I want to talk to you today about two groups. You are probably in one or the other. They are the “say sumtin’s” and the “shut yer mouth’s”.  

First, the “say sumtin’s”:  This is the guy or gal who listens in and keeps his/her mouth shut tightly. They hear things said that are wrong and sinful and just sit there (as my mom would say) like a knot on a log.  Listen, our culture is dying, our nation is going to hell; it is time to start speaking up! Not being ugly or rude or mean spirited, but it is past time for you to start saying, “Uh, that is not right…”  See, it’s not that hard.  You’re that person who thinks you have to have a “bank” of credibility before you speak up, that person who thinks people listen more to someone who doesn’t speak a lot - so for years you’ve not let your voice be heard - “hey, it’s time!” I’ve sat in meetings with people much older and wiser than I am who would not speak up to defend RIGHT! I wanted to shake them, “hey, buddy, wake up! It’s time!”  Speak up.  And if you  don’t and won’t, then don’t be surprised when we lose country, freedoms, churches, etc.  

Now a word to the “shut yer’ mouth’s”:  Listen friend, I can empathize with you - I may speak stronger to you, ‘cause I’m preaching to myself here! You feel you have to put in your two cents worth on every subject.  You feel “called upon” to speak up.  Only thing is, you yammer on so much, you’ve lost all credibility.  People discount everything you say because you are always running off at the mouth.  You need to learn to pick your battles more carefully. You win often, but with each silly victory you are minimizing yourself.  You think your position has to be heard and most everyone around you is just praying that you’ll shut up!  Haven’t you learned yet that you hurt people, impede progress and set back good with your sharp tongue.  You need desperately to ask your friends if this is you - and when you do - put a zip on it and let them answer!

OFTEN each of you should be in the others group - Mr. “I’m Building Up My Credibility” - it’s time to cash in some of those chips!  Ms. “I Just Speak My Mind” - it’s time to start thinking about what is in your mind!

Advice from the Word to both…

Proverbs 10:19 - “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”
Proverbs 11:12  “A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.”
Proverbs 21:23  “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
James 1:26 “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”
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Proverbs 10:20 - “The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.”
Proverbs 12:18 “...the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Jude 3 “...earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.”
And to both:
Proverbs 15:2 “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”