Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 13:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 13:3
"He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction."

The difference between keeping silent or gossiping. I think though it even goes deeper than that, especially in the times we are living in. There are times I wish to speak out but the spirit constrains me. Maybe because when I think with my head and not my heart I will get myself in trouble. Sometimes learning to be a peacemaker that best place to start to to learn constraint and be silent. This verse in Matthew keeps coming to me.

"Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison."
(Matthew 5:25)

The footnote for Agree, GR Quickly have kind thoughts for, or be well disposed toward.

Day 3957

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 9:8

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 9:8

"Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee."

I have sure witnessed this. To reprove a scorner you invite their wrath. They have no intention of changing their behavior or actions, no matter how modest a request it maybe. You are just inviting contention. It's best to just let them be. They have their agency to believe lies and whatever they may think about you. You sure have to have a thick skin to live in these days. Tough on the outside but harmless and full of the spirit on the inside.

"Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison"

(Matthew 5:25)

Day 2796

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 35:19-20

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 35:19-20

"Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.

For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land. "

"Wink with the eye" really stood out to me. I could just picture them using it to signal to another, conspiring something against them. Turning something they saw or heard against them. Then I thought of our day now evil is called good, and good evil. In many ways we are the quiet in the land. Just don't make waves for the tares are plentiful. There are many reason why it's best to play the role of peacemaker.

"Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison."

(Matthew 5:25)

Day 2672

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 5:25

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 5:25
"Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison."

One thing I have found is that I have been accused at times of not listening. Actually what I have found is the person believes this simply because after my having heard their position I don't agree with them. Their definitions is to have heard them means I must agree. Society as a whole is getting into this nonsense too. I have found it simpler to just agree that is their position. Never stating mine for it honestly doesn't matter to them. They want no honest dialog, only that you agree with them. It is getting so perverse now that I see the merit in agreeing as a means of self preservation. Never would I have imagined that people can be arrested or lose their job over things that by God's laws are untruths. Letting a person hold his false beliefs, and agreeing that is how they see it, allows me to maintain my peace and not be of contention, nor lose the spirit. As Jesus was often pressed by the Pharisees and Sadducees I marvel at his wisdom in escaping the trap that had been set for him. As those that press for more than my agreeing on what their position is, I have learned to let the spirit guide in the matter on what peacefully needs to be said or suggested to divert them.

Day 1509

Today's Favorite Verse: D&C 96:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 96:1-2

"Behold, I say unto you, here is wisdom, whereby ye may know how to act concerning this matter, for it is expedient in me that this stake that I have set for the strength of Zion should be made strong.

Therefore, let my servant Newel K. Whitney take charge of the place which is named among you, upon which I design to build mine holy house."

The section heading says this is a revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, showing the order of the city or stake of Zion at Kirtland, Ohio, as an example to the Saints in Kirtland. I had to sit and think a bit what the example was. 

It says the chief subject of consideration was the disposal of certain lands. Since the conference they could not agree who should take charge of the farm, all agreed to inquire of the Lord concerning the matter. I think this is giving an example of studying a subject between ourselves, and if there is no harmony then inquire of the Lord on the matter. I think through the spirit we can make wise decisions in our life. The key is to have the spirit while doing so. If no agreement between parties arise then both parties must be willing to take it to the Lord. He is the great councilor. He will settle matters of dispute. In all things we must be willing to do God's will. 

Day 515