The American Heritage Dictionary.....
probe>n. A thorough examination or investigation ...v. To explore; delve into; investigate
resolve>v. To make a firm decision about; to dispel, resolve a doubt.
Psalm 17:3 - David's words...
"Though you probe my heart and examine me at night; though you test me, you will find nothing. I have resolved that my mouth will not sin." NIV
Gotta say here, I don't care much for this verse because it means that I have to decide not to slander, gossip, complain, grouse, retaliate, whine, curse, etc. It's so straightforward and simple, I can't even claim ignorance or misunderstanding. Ouch.
It only takes one reading of the third chapter of James to be reminded of the damage that the human tongue can do. James is quick to point out the parallel of a ship's small rudder controlling a huge vessel to a 6-inch bit directing a 1000-pound horse; or a small spark igniting a huge forest fire. Yet no one and no thing can control the tongue, small though it is. James says it is set on fire by hell itself and with it we both bless God and curse man. Yet we continually make excuses, don't we?
I have often heard people say, "I'm really sorry; I didn't mean it. It was the alcohol talking." (Fill in the blank with whatever you choose to blame.) To that statement, I say, "Yes, you did and no it wasn't." Before the words could come out, they had to be in. And again I say ...ouch.
In the New Revised Standard Version, the words carry a little less sting. "If you try my heart, if you visit me by night; if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me; my mouth does not transgress."
The version doesn't matter - the message is the same; I and I alone am responsible for what comes out of my mouth. Going forward, I resolve to choose my words carefully for some day I may have to eat them.
Blessings,
Rosi
hello there- i got you tocome up- why and how I am not sure. See "Pooh" no picture of you tho!!! Keeping my fingers crossed
ReplyDeleteHey I found you- Hope it lasts
ReplyDeleteYay!!! Not sure why you can't see my photo - cyberspace gremlins perhaps. At any rate, you found me! Blessings. Thanks for following.
ReplyDeleteafter a few seconds the picture did come up!!
ReplyDeleteLove this, Grammy! That's something I have to remind myself of often. It's so easy to let a few words slip and realize their effect can ripple far beyond what I intended. Gossiping seems to harmless and conversational until my heart is convicted. Thank you for sharing! <3
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome honey girl - I don't ever want to stop learning and growing, but sometimes I wish it could be a little less painful. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the word resolve. It implies the difficulty of the task, and I feel understood. My tongue....oh....shoot. ;) Thank you Mama.
ReplyDeleteIt's what I call one of those 'whoopins' from the Lord - :-)
ReplyDelete