Scripture: “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”- (21:23)
Observation: Today’s verse warns us to guard our mouths and be careful in what we say. In doing so, we spare ourselves misery and problems that could have been avoided.
Application: I remember my mother cautioning me to “Watch what you say!” or “Mind your tongue!” as I was growing up. In those instances, she was reprimanding me for something I said; I was too young to have any wisdom in my words. I just said whatever was on my mind. My mom did not like for me to “speak ugly” as she would call it. As an adult, I see that her cautionary words were quite similar to those of Solomon. In her own way, my mom was teaching me what it states in Psalm141:3, “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
When we speak without discretion, we can find ourselves in situations that we had not expected. We can easily hurt someone’s feelings, damage our own testimony for the Lord, and create division among family or friends. Additionally, once spoken, words cannot be taken back. They are out there, heard, and often harbored in a heart for long periods of time. This creates so much trouble, and it could have been avoided simply by controlling what was said.
There are many verses in the Bible that tell how problematic an uncontrolled tongue can be. Here are a few examples.
- “Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.” – Psalm 52:2
- “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” – James 3:8
- “His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.” – Psalm 10:7
While man himself has great difficulty controlling his tongue, there is good news! The Bible tells us in Psalm 120:2 that it is God who can provide the control we need. “Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.” As a child of God, we have His wisdom available to us for the asking (James 1:5), which will aid us in knowing when and how to speak. God’s Word assures us that “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright…” Let our words be a blessing to others, not a curse!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom of Your Word, and for the teaching that I receive from it. Thank You for continuing to open my eyes to the truths in Scripture and helping me apply them to my life. Help me to be a blessing to those around me in word and deed, and help me please You in all I say and do. Please keep me following closely to Jesus, reflecting Him to the world, as I strive to serve You as best I can. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.
(from “Make Me a Blessing” by Ira B. Wilson)
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“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” – Proverbs 25:11