“What’s that, honey?” Kevin called from the couch. The TV was tuned into the football game, and he hadn’t heard a word she’d said. Devendra walked into the family room and stood in front of the television, glaring at Kevin.

“I’m not your mother, and I shouldn’t have to pick up your clothes,” Devendra snapped. “Why don’t you pick up after yourself?”

Kevin paused the DVR and looked at his wife apologetically. “I’m sorry. I didn’t do it to annoy you.” Devendra sighed. She was about to say more when she felt the Holy Spirit prompting her to stop and think before she said something to escalate the situation. She sat down next to Kevin and hugged him. “I’m sorry I get so snippy sometimes. Will you forgive me?” Kevin pulled her close. “Of course. And I’ll work on picking up after myself, OK?”

One of the biggest battles we face is controlling the tongue. James 3:8 reminds us that “no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” We all have times when we want to speak our mind, but we should pause to seek wisdom for tact and timing. Some things are just better left unsaid. First Peter 3:10 says, “The one who wants to love life and to see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.” When you’re tempted to give someone a piece of your mind, stop and think about the consequences first.