“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
Some people disagree with the bible, but the book of Proverbs has produced widely accepted sayings that even non-Christians have repeated for generations… Many don’t follow the advice, but few would argue that it is not accurate. And even though we all see the truth, we are often more likely to apply it to others then follow it ourselves.
Our verse today is a perfect example… I am positive that “not guarding my lips” has caused ruin in my life …My words at times have hurt those I love, made difficult situations worse, and alienated me from people that care about me… So why do I still speak before evaluating what I am saying?
The Bible comments on that in James 3:8, which says, “But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
Do we see our tongues like that? Do I nonchalantly view my mouth as something that might get me in a little trouble once in a while, or as a constant, restless evil that is full of deadly poison?… Regardless of what I think, the latter description is more accurate. Still, at times I find myself replying to people before they have even finished speaking. I listen only to respond, not to understand, and that simply widens the gulf between me and the person I disagree with.
Growing up in Texas, I have been taught to never point a gun at something I didn’t intend to destroy. My harsh words should carry the same warning. Our casual approach to what we say is indescribably dangerous and incredibly foolish. Feelings have been hurt, relationships destroyed, lives lost, and even wars have been fought… all over careless words that men have spoken.
Guard your lips today as though they were deadly weapons. Determine to hear people out, take a breath, and consider what has been said before responding. Opening your mouth is a moment of no return. You cannot take back words once they are released, but you can choose not to release them. A guarded mouth protects you from speaking rashly…and that will save you from ruin.
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but only that which is good for building others up." – God (Ephesians 4:29)
