Have you ever heard or used that expression? It comes from the Old English where the word “mum” meant to remain silent.
Dave and I were having a discussion on our drive Sunday morning where we wondered about different phrases and idioms that are used so when I thought of this phrase this morning I had to look it. Mummers were actors who used no words, basically they were pantomimists. There you have your verbal history lesson for the day.
Last night we were watching a movie of espionage. The main character had to be very careful not to reveal his true identity and his occupation to the people around him. He didn’t know who he could trust so he said very little about himself and was very evasive when asked direct questions. I found myself admonishing him several times to keep his mouth shut.
I bet you thought I was going to be writing about flowers today because of the image I used, right? No.
This morning I found the Holy Spirit admonishing me to choose my words wisely and to keep my mouth shut when necessary. Our words are containers – much like a glass holds water our words hold blessings or cursing.
“Your words can be as satisfying as fruit, as pleasing as the food that fills your stomach. 21 The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings.” Proverbs 19:20-21 ERV
Maybe you’ve heard the expression “Keep your words sweet, you may have to eat them”. I feel that is probably an accurate paraphrase of these verses written by King Solomon.
Our heart and our mouth are connected. The things we keep in our heart, good or bad, will eventually be expressed in our words. Jesus knew that and He gave some specific teaching in that regard.
“Every tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. You won’t find figs on thorny weeds. And you can’t pick grapes from thorn bushes! 45 Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.” Luke 6:44-45 ERV
We’ve all been around people who worry or pessimistic – the words of cynicism flow freely. They are fearful of everything. While on the other hand a hopeful person’s conversation is filled with encouragement and optimism.
We all need to listen to our words today. What do they say about us, the real us? What do they reveal about what’s in our hearts? We don’t change our heart by changing our words. But what we say will change when our heart is transformed. As we let God’s word fill our hearts our words will be containers of life.
Until then, Mum’s the word!
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:13-14
