Guarded Tongue

GUARDED TONGUE

Written by:  Jenny Calvert

See how we put bits in the mouths of horses that they may obey us, and we control their whole bodies. And observe ships. Though they are so great and are driven by fierce winds, yet they are directed with a very small rudder wherever the captain pleases.  Even so, the tongue is a little part of the body and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles.  The tongue is a fire, a world of evil. The tongue is among the parts of the body, defiling the whole body, and setting the course of nature on fire, and it is set on fire by hell. All kinds of beasts, and birds, and serpents, and things in the sea are tamed or have been tamed by mankind.  But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God.  Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.  James 3: 3-10 (MEV)

Through my life there have been times when I have said way more than I should have.  I am not really a wordy person though I am sometimes a thoughtless one, speaking before thinking.  Because of this, my mouth has landed me in trouble on more than one occasion.  Maybe I said cutting words, made a false statement, used words in anger, exaggerated, boasted or gossiped.  Unfortunately once these words left my mouth I could never take them back.  I am ashamed but God is gracious and He forgives.

Scriptures tell us to be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19), that the knowledgeable person is one who uses their words with restraint (Proverbs 27:17), and words can get us into trouble (Proverbs 21:23).  The Bible has much to say about our tongues like: Proverbs 13:3 (ESV), “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” And Matthew 5:37 (NIV), “All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

How should I go about bridling this tongue of mine?  First, I pray to God and ask for forgiveness.  Second, I go to those I know that I have hurt to make amends.  Third, I continue to read the Bible as it guides me in my spiritual growth.  Fourth, I ask the Lord to (Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! (MEV) Psalms 141:3)

 Controlling the tongue is not only a difficult task but an impossible task in my own ability.  However with Jesus as the pilot of the ship, controlling this small rudder (my tongue), He will help me know when to speak, the words to say, and when to be silent and just listen.

Dear Creator of my Lips,

Thank-you for giving me the ability to speak, but forgive me for taking that gift and misusing it at times.  Help me to speak less and listen more.  Help me to use my lips to forever praise your Holy Name and to tell others of your love.

In your Jesus’ name I pray,  

Amen