I’ve said a lot of things I wish I never said. Sometimes this happens in church. I remember at my first church introducing myself to a young man and an older woman. They told me their names and they both had the same last name. I said to the man, “Oh is this your mother?” He replied, “No, this is my wife”. They never came back to church. I wish I would have never said that.
One Sunday, many years ago, I was honoring the college graduates. While congratulating one couple I shared with the congregation that they were getting married in a few months. As I was speaking I noticed both of them shaking their heads at me, giving me the stop talking sign. Unfortunately, I didn't stop talking. They had told me they were getting married, but they had not told thier parents, who were in attendance that Sunday. I wish I would have never said that.
Have you ever wished you didn’t say something? All of us have. Sometimes the most spiritual thing I can do is to keep my mouth shut. There are some verses that just tell us in plain English to shut up, to close our mouths, to be cautious about what we say. I remember hearing someone once say, “Never miss an opportunity to keep your mouth closed.” Well, isn’t that what these verses are saying:

· Proverbs 17:27 (NIV): A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
· Proverbs 17:14 (NIV): Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
· Proverbs 20:3 (NIV): It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
· Proverbs 11:12 (TNIV): Those who have understanding hold their tongues.
· Proverbs 12:16 (NIV): A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
· Proverbs 12:16 (The Message): The prudent quietly shrug off insults.
· Proverbs 19:11 (NIV): A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
· Proverbs 26:20-22 (NKJV): Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body.
· Proverbs 29:11 (NKJV): A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.
· Proverbs 17:9 (NIV): He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

It is not necessary to state our opinion on every subject. It is not necessary to have the last word in every argument. It is not necessary to demand our way in every discussion. It is not necessary to defend ourselves against every criticism. It is not necessary to inject our viewpoint in every conversation. It is not necessary to draw a line on every issue.

My prayer is like David's, "Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips". (Psalm 141:3).

Okay, I'm going to be quiet now.
Pastor Tim