Psalm 64:3  They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows. (NLT)

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The most important word in this verse in this psalm is “they.” King David did not write “I.” “They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,” he said. He did not say, “I sharpen my tongue like a sword and aim my bitter words like arrows.”

The most important word in this verse in this psalm is “they.” King David did not write “I.” “They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,” he said. He did not say, “I sharpen my tongue like a sword and aim my bitter words like arrows.”

David addressed his observations to God. He described how his adversaries treated him. Their behavior was unjust and unkind. It was treacherous. David did not retaliate. Instead, he took his thoughts and feelings to God. 

Going to God with our painful and angry words is a good start. It keeps us from wounding others with words that feel like sword thrusts and arrow targets. It is always wise to talk to God first when we are angry before we express our anger to others.

Talking to God first helps us drain our venom. Seeing it for what it is reminds us how lethal it is. The second time we express what is in our hearts and on our minds, the more focused we are, and the more righteous we are.

This leads to the thought, “What if I had this conversation for the second time? How would it go differently?”

Anger unleashed from malice is corrective. 

Anger delivered with deliberation rather than frustration is more kindly presented and more kindly received. 

Anger processed through the heart of God places us on a path toward healing instead of harm. 

What if our Facebook posts were written after we took our thoughts and feelings to God?

What if our conversations about others bore the unmistakable reshaping of God’s heart and mind?

What if our prayers empowered us to seek healing rather than conflict?

I’m not sure how “they” will take this, but “I” will make my words to them my second conversation on the matter. 
Going to God with our painful and angry words is a good start. It keeps us from wounding others with words that feel like sword thrusts and arrow targets. It is always wise to talk to God first when we are angry before we express our anger to others.

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I will talk first to God when I’m wounded and when I’m angry so that I may respond rather than react and express grace rather than harm.

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Our Father, make me a man of second conversations. Teach me to think and pray like Kind David, who took his thoughts and feelings to you before he expressed them to others. Filter what is hateful and harmful from my heart and mind. Reshape my speech so that it produces what is good, pleasing, and perfect to you and them. Amen. (See Romans 12:1, 2.)