The Value of a Filter

Have you ever thought about it?  What is the value of a filter?  What is the use of a device that plucks impurities out of the air, out of our water, out of the oil and fuel in our car?  We don’t think much about these things until we need to replace them, and then we can see them as nuisances.

The value of an air filter in your house is that it prevents dust and small particles from collecting on your a/c coil and heating elements.  Without a filter, these things just will not work.  In your car, your oil filter and fuel filter collect impurities that would shut your engine down and possibly end it’s life.  Filters are usually inexpensive but provide an invaluable service to our lives.  And we don’t even realize it.

As an introvert, I think and rethink every word I say … (MOST of the time.)  I have good friends who are the complete opposite:  Whatever comes across their minds is coming out of their mouths.  No matter what it might be or the impact it might have.  I would argue that WE ALL need to practice the discipline of FILTER.  No, not that we need a gas mask on our faces to muffle the words.  But we need the filter of WISDOM.  Knowing WHEN to speak.  Knowing when NOT to speak.  Knowing WHAT to speak.  Knowing what NOT to speak.  And God’s word has quite a bit of input on this subject!

James 1:19 says “Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”

Proverbs 13:3 says “The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”

Psalm 39:1 says “I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue.  I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle while the wicked are in my presence.”

Job 27:4 says “My lips certainly will not speak unjustly, nor will my tongue mutter deceit.”

Proverbs 15:1 says “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Ephesians 4:29 says “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. ”

Wise words for today and everyday!!  Hope you have a great week!  Be wise about what you say.

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. (Psalm 141:3)