Maybe it’s time to shut up. Seriously. When was the last time you allowed your brain to lead your tongue? Coach, how often do you say something to your players, only to have those words haunt you in the form of regret or in complaints from parents? Players, do you consider the power of your words on those around you? Parents, you do realize that the coaches are human, right?
Proverbs 15:28 puts it this way: “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.”
God makes it clear. There are some who, because of their ongoing spiritual growth and love for The Lord, give serious thought to what they say. If you’re thinking this is difficult, you’re correct. It’s only as the Holy Spirit gains more access to your heart that you begin to truly “ponder” what to say. It’s only as Jesus takes more control of your life that you become righteous and your words, as a result, become something pleasing to The Lord.
On the other hand are those who simply speak their minds regardless of the consequences. God’s Word makes no allowances for inconsiderate speech, not from believers in Jesus. It’s the “mouth of the wicked” (yes, wicked) that pours out insults, condescending remarks, and just expects everyone else to deal with it. It doesn’t take a seasoned theologian to realize there’s something about that God isn’t happy with.
Coach, teammate, parent, have you submitted this part of your life to Jesus? Talk to him about it today.
Lord Jesus, I can’t control what I say. No one can. Only you can bring that under control in my life. Fill me with your Spirit, make me more righteous, guide my heart toward maturity in you. I pray your work in my life becomes evident even in what I say.
