Win the Argument Yet Lose

by Alec Niemi

“Pick your fights.” “Don’t sweat over the little things.” “Sometimes you have to lose a battle to win the war.”

People seem to love to debate. (Others would call it argue!) There are times when one thinks they’ve won an argument but still wind up the loser in the end. The loss comes from not watching the tongue.

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

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”Proverbs 12:18

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21

“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” Proverbs 21:32

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” James 1:26

“But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
James 3:8

My prayer for us this week:

“Heavenly Father, we flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on You out of a pure heart. We will not have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because we know they produce quarrels.  And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. In Jesus name amen.” 2 Timothy 2:22-26