Guarding Our Tongues
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
Controlling our words is mentioned throughout the Bible. The tongue is, perhaps, one of the hardest things for a human being to control.
Many of us lack self-control and say things that can get us into trouble. The Gospel accounts record how Peter sometimes spoke before thinking. This characteristic often led to embarrassment and correction from Christ.
Speaking before thinking is dangerous. Christ said that our mouths reveal our thoughts—good or bad (Matthew 12:34-35). Since we will give account to God for the words we say (verses 36-37), it is better for us to think things through before speaking.
Individuals are considered wise and perceptive when they control their tongues (Proverbs 17:27-28). Yet when left unchecked, our words can be sinful and destructive (Proverbs 10:19; James 3:5-6, 8).
Those who are quick to speak many times like to be heard; but in doing so, they can bring serious problems on themselves (Proverbs 18:2, 6-7; 29:11).
Rather than just wanting to be heard, we should instead focus on listening (James 1:19; Ecclesiastes 5:2). It is by listening more and talking less that we will have more peace and less trouble.
To learn more about controlling our words, read our article “Taming the Tongue.”
Tomorrow on the Daily Bible Verse Blog: "Joseph and His Amazing Prophetic Dream."
