Proverbs 13:3: He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
Insight
The evil speaker is but laying up trouble and sorrow for himself in the future; as the one into whose lips grace is poured shall surely find grace when in need himself. To control the lips is to keep the life. The perfect man is the one who has his tongue in subjection. He who lacks wisdom in this respect will bring sure destruction upon himself. 1
Application
Paul communicates the truth we need to live by every day from Ephesians 4:29–32 “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Are you known for imparting grace to others? Does your life experience the power of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis? Are you kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving? This should become our aim in life as followers of Jesus. We need His Holy Spirit to accomplish this, therefore never grieve the Spirit of God with gracelessness.
Motivation
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. Luke 9:23
A gracious heart is known by the gracious words that are spoken. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, may my words be filled with heavenly grace that brings You great glory.
1. Ironside, H. A. (1908). Notes on the Book of Proverbs. Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Bros.
