Week 2: Wednesday

Has your mouth ever got you in trouble--yes, even made you sin--all because you talked too much?  In your conversation you started to ramble.  The more you spoke, the more your speech dug a deep hole, tripping you up and trapping you inside.  Soon you were in a mighty tangled mess.  It's certainly happened to me.

Keep It Shut, page 49

In chapter 3 of Keep It Shut, Karen tells the story of talking to her friend at the basketball game.  Because her "words were many", things got confusing and a conflict arose. 

Describe a situation in your life-- either in the distant past or sometime more recent--when talking too much got you or someone you know into a heap of trouble.  Now, jot down a couple of sentences that you can use as a go-to phrases when you know the conversation is heading south due to your excessive words. (Example:  "I'm sorry.  I'm talking too much.  I'm gonna just hush up now.")  Use the comment box below to share.

Week 2: Tuesday

Chapter 3...here we go.

On page 48 of the book Keep It Shut, Karen lists four verses from Proverbs as Old Testament tweets.  They are printed again here for your convenience.  Take a look at them and choose the one that you think you need to remember most in your life right now.

• "When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise." (10:9)
• "Do you see a man who speaks too soon?  There is more hope for a fool than for him." (29:20)
• "The one who gives an answer before he listens-this is foolishness and disgrace for him." (18:13)
• "Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues." (17:28)

Can you think of a specific reason or situation that prompted you to choose the verse that you did?  Post the reason in the comment box below.  What change would you like to make that could change that situation?

Week 2: Monday

Check out this week's video....

As you watch consider the following notes:

Some people are verbal "gap fillers".  When there is a break in the conversation, you can count on them to fill the slight gap of silence.

We sometimes suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out).  We just have to say something! If we suffer from FOMO and just have to keep talking to add our two cents' worth, saying, "But...but...but," we need to learn to "Shut the But"--Shut it down!

Talking to God before we talk to others will allow the Holy Spirit to empower us to live life in a godly manner, processing as we pray.  Then we are better able to break the habit of sinning with our mouths.

The Bible is full of examples of men and women who spoke filled with the Holy Spirit, some even when they were in a tight spot.  When the did, Scripture never records them then sinning in what they said.

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Which of the 4 pieces of advice found in Proverbs- The Twitter of the Old Testament- did you most need to hear? (Don't speak too much.  Don't speak too soon.  Don't speak without first listening. Don't speak at all.)  Share your thoughts in the comment box below.

Week 2: On Filling Gaps and Zipping Lips: Listen to Others, Talk to God

Welcome Back!  Here we go with Week 2!

Remember that an important part of this study is sharing what you have learned from reading the book and from completing the activities/discussions.  Don't worry if you weren't able to cover all the material.  You are still welcome and your input is valuable.

This week we will be focusing on Chapters 3 & 4 of the Keep It Shut book.

Monday: We will watch a video and respond to some questions.
Tuesday: We will dive into chapter 3 of the book and respond to some questions
Wednesday: We will continue on chapter 3 and further our learning with some discussion on the blog
Thursday: Chapter 4 and some questions to go with it.
Friday: Time to delve into some Scripture.  Verses to look up and reflect upon.

Memory verse for the week:

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