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Too Many Words

I have that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, the one I get when I have disappointed someone and wasn't aware that what I said or did could have any significance at all to them. Why is it that we sometimes only learn the significance of our words after they cause us grief? I cannot be the only one on the planet that has been taken by surprise by how a few random words said without import to the speaker have caused irreparable damage to a relationship.

Fear of man? Remorse? Guilt? Shame? Condemnation? Perhaps a combination of all those things. And is the damage really irreparable? How can relationships exist without forgiveness?

Is it a communication problem I have? A struggle with pride? Is it because I am opinionated? Overbearing? Speaking aloud what shouldn't be thought let alone said. Does it make a difference?


Proverbs 29:20
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Ecclesiastes 5:2
2 Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.

Proverbs 10:19-21
19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is {as} choice silver, the heart of the wicked is {worth} little.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of understanding.
(NAS)
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