Pleasing words
As we were backing out of our driveway, my husband pointed out something to me on our house regarding the new gutters. I interrupted him with a short, snappy “yeah I know what you’re talking about.” As soon as it came out of my mouth I thought to myself, “Oh that didn’t sound very nice.” My husband gave me a funny look and said aloud what I was thinking. I immediately apologized to him for my response, and we drove on our way. It was one of those moments where I thought, “Why did I just say that in that tone? What came over me that I would be snappy with him?” There was no reason and no warning for my response….it just happened!
That same night I was reading from Psalm 19 in the New Century Version. I came to verse 14 which says—“I hope my words and thoughts please you. Lord, you are my Rock, the one who saves me.” I grabbed my NIV and realized that Psalm 19:14 was one I know by heart—“May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing in my sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
When I read this in the NCV I stopped and took notice because the wording was different from the memorized version I was accustomed to reading. I read the little note included in the margin and thought back to the incident in the car earlier in the evening.
Were those snappy words pleasing to God? It may seem like a simple thing that does not matter, but we need to be careful that all our words will please God. I got to thinking that I may not be taking the Lord’s name in vain, swearing, or using curse words….all of which we know are displeasing to Him. But other words I speak can be less than pleasing in His sight when they hurt someone else.
Psalm 19:14 is a great verse to pray as you begin your day. Join me today in asking God to help make the words you speak today be pleasing to Him.
Have a day of blessings! 
You are right Bethany; it is not only the words we say, but how we say them. The tone makes the difference.
Psalm 19:14 is often on my mind and I pray that my words are always pleasing to Him. I do know though that I often fall short when it comes to the tone of my voice.
Thank you for the reminder to think before speaking.