Scripture
Proverbs 21:23 “If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble.”
Observation
How is that for words of wisdom? It gets to the point doesn’t it? But it is true. The worse trouble I have gotten myself into is with my mouth. I said something I should not have said. I said something that hurt someone else’s feelings. I said something that was inappropriate. If I could learn to keep my mouth shut, my life would be easier. I get myself in trouble by what I say. The Bible teaches to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. That is great advice! The Bible also teaches that it takes great maturity to control the tongue. The tongue is strong, active, and full of evil.
Application
I need to learn to control my tongue. Silence is better than saying the wrong thing. If I don’t know what to say, keep silent. I need to become a better listener. I need to keep my mouth shut. I need to be full of and under the control of the Holy Spirit. I need him to produce patience and meekness in me. I need to be slow to speak and quick to listen.
Prayer
I need your help. So many times I say things that get me in trouble. Develop the fruit of the spirit in me. Teach me to keep my mouth shut. Help me to be a better listener. Mature me to the place that I can control my tongue. I cannot do this on my own. The tongue is a powerful instrument. I pray that my tongue will bless and not curse.
