Keep It Shut {How to Keep from Burning All Those Around You}

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If there is one thing that can be successfully used against me it is harsh, critical, devoid-of-love words. I am sure you know what I am talking about as we all have been burned by the "vomit" of someone's heart. It stings. It destroys. It kills {relationships}. I have also been on the giving end of this equation. Doling out a critical spirit when I am angry. I know both sides. I bet you do, too. Not a one of us escapes the terrors of the tongue.

Recently, I finished reading Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All by Karen Ehman. I loved how she approaches the subject. She deals with the heart (which is where the words originate), why we tend to be more bold with our words behind a screen, and what gossip really is. 

Each chapter is filled with tips on tongue control. She also talks about how our words need more grace than we could ever imagine. And how much salt do they need? There is an eye-opening chapter on how our words need to be seasoned with salt {based on Colossians 4:6}. Her connections on what salt does and what are words need to do really got me thinking about how I speak to others. And finally, she gives solutions to our mouth problem. How can we change how we speak to others? What actions can we take to build others up instead?

So here are a few tidbits on the tongue from Karen's book to give you a taste of the wisdom she doles out.

To build...not to break. To bless...not to badger. To encourage...not to embitter. To praise...not to pounce.

Sometimes the keyboard really does bring out the worst in us.

But better a bleeding tongue than a family member's wounded heart.

When we choose to lace our words with grace, healing happens.

Struggling in your relationships? Read Karen's book and then "Keep It Shut". Those around us will be thankful that we aren't pelting them with our words.

Any other great books you have read on taming the tongue? I would love to know about them!