To Speak Or Not To Speak?By Amanda SampsonTo everything there is a season. Does this sound familiar? Growing up, my mother always used to tell me, “a young lady should be seen and not heard.” Over the years, I have learned what she meant. Often times, I find myself repeating that same phrase to my girls.Fast forward to a few years ago, I attended a conference. One of the key take aways was learning how to KYMS. KYMS is short for keep your mouth shut.Scripture teaches us, as I paraphrase, that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Also, to be slow to speak and swift to hear. I suppose that’s why God created us with 2 ears and one mouth.Yet another, that says, let your speech be graceful, seasoned with salt, so we may know how to answer others. Daily, I try my best to live these instructions out, but sometimes I slip up and sometimes my speech is far from graceful and way too salty.
To Speak Or Not To Speak? By Amanda Sampson
Posted in women
Amanda, thank you so much for this beautiful devotional and reminder that we do not have to always respond. Sometimes we just need to ” KYMS!”. Sometimes in my line of work I come across a customer who is irate. During these conversations it is hard to assist or explain what is going on to the customer. So what I have found that works is KYMS until they are finished , then giving my response in a very soft tone. This usually calms the other party and allows space for a fruitful conversation. Proverbs 15: 1-2 says: A soft answer turneth away wrath: But grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: But the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. Often times our power is in our silence or our soft response, when we let God season our speech. I have to refer to James chapter three often when I feel I can’t KYMS! ????
Jamile, I agree. Our power is in our silence and a soft tone does work to calm the situation. Thank you for your response.
Good day my daughter in love, Amanda, and thank you for this thought provoking teaching. Thank you also for the life’s lesson your Mother taught you and for passing it on to our young girls. Jesus, more than not, was quiet-spoken and careful with His words throughout His Ministry. I’m learning that listening can be more beneficial than speaking, even though someone else may request it of you. By doing this, one tends to retain more of what someone else really means. I commend you for the boldness set forth in reminding us of how valuable the KYMS premise can be, in such a thought provoking way. We will become better received by others while practicing it. Point of personal privilege, my late sweet Mother taught us as girls, “It is so much better for a person to think you are a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Enjoyed this!
This hit home for me especially on today! I feel that I’m getting better to taking this approach with certain situations and with people. I feel that this comes with growth and not with age but your growth in the Christ! I am yet learning! Thank you for sharing ❤️
Thank you, also for such a timely reminder of “ the tongue” , being a creative force! My siblings and I were brought up with a similar reminder, that children should be seen and not heard; Even to speak when you are spoken to. But , of course, all scriptures aforementioned are clear to “ be mindful of what we say / speak to / or about others and even ourselves! Life or death is in the power of the tongue! James 1:19 Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [ a ready listener],Slow to speak,, slow to take offense and to get angry(AMPC ),Being slow to speak allows us listen to the Holy Spirit; Before you speak choose to listen to the heart of the matter; Before you speak , pray and wait for guidance of God /Holy Spirit, and , before you speak listen/ hear with your ears and heart. I am becoming more disciplined in this , Praise God