Proverbs 21:23: Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
Insight
Again we are directed to the subject that is so often brought to the fore in this book: the control of the tongue. Unwise words, however true they may sometimes be, are often the cause of grave trouble and disaster. To keep the mouth and the tongue as with an armed guard is to avoid many a grief and bitter memory. 1
Application
James, the brother of Jesus, heard many wicked words spoken about his brother. He records this wisdom in James 1:26: “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.”
A true believer in Jesus is not one who can repeat the doctrinal statement of faith, but is rather one who lives out his faith with measured words that will encourage and even lovingly correct in order to build up and not tear down. Will you season your words with grace and ask God how to build up another believer today?
Motivation
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19
If you weigh your words before you speak, you will speak less and be heard more. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please restrain my tongue and clean my heart of any bitterness.
1. Ironside, H. A. (1908). Notes on the Book of Proverbs. Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Bros.
