July 10

Breaking Out of Quiet


May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Proverbs 19:14 (NLT)


“You know, I liked you better when you were quiet.”

These words startled me some years ago. Mind you, I’ve always been a quiet sort of person, but once I get comfortable with a person or a group, it is just too easy to let words fly without thought. Kidding, teasing, and sometimes even snide remarks seem to jump out without a thought. Too late do I consider others’ sensitivities, their feelings, or how these careless words might be interpreted.

It’s only when I stay close to God, when He fills my heart and His Spirit nudges me with ease that my thoughts and my words reflect His truth, His character, His love.

Being quiet isn’t necessarily good or bad, but knowing what to say, how to say it and when requires me to listen well—to others certainly, but to the One who fills my heart, most definitely!


Lord, guide my heart and my lips. May these be pleasing to You. Amen.