Practical Living

Staying Out of Trouble

“Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.” — Proverbs 21:23 (NLT)

Has your mouth ever gotten you into trouble?

Words cause a lot of problems in our world. Angry words destroy marriages and friendships. Gossip creates strife and division. Lies erode trust. Flattery breeds disrespect. Innuendoes produce suspicion. Accusations generate defensiveness. Reckless and insensitive words bruise souls. “Offline conversations” incite confusion and dissension. Hateful words break hearts. Bitter, resentful words feed feuds. Profanity dishonors God and people He has created.

The Bible has a lot to say about our speech. Take a look at what the apostle James wrote about our words:

“Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” — James 3:2 (NLT)

“In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.” — James 3:5-8 (NLT)

There is no question that “mouth management” is one of the biggest challenges we face. It is also one of the greatest opportunities we have. When we get a grip on our tongues, God can use us to positively turn our world around!

“The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain … ” — Proverbs 10:11 (NLT)

Starting today, let’s begin the process of better “mouth management.” Make the psalmist’s prayer your prayer each day. It will help you stay out of trouble!

“May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.” —  Psalm 19:14 (TLB)

Dale O'Shields

For more information, visit the Church of the Redeemer's website.
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