Guard Your Mouth, Sista!
Maybe you've heard the stories from the old days that links childhood use of bad words with soapy mouths. The expression of washing your mouth with soap is common but certainly not meant to be acted on literally.
As we reach adulthood, we soon learn that the challenge goes well beyond disciplining our mouths from swearing. Our life and our future depends greatly on how we conduct ourselves in all things. Our words and actions reveal who we are and determine our habits.
God gave us His wisdom and an abundance of sound advice on how to manage our words and actions. Proverbs 21:23 summarizes it beautifully: "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles."
Do we follow Jesus' example and speak grace and truth or is our speech full of hateful words, slander, lies and complaining? We're all in training.
The secret to guarding our mouths is to fill our thoughts and heart with the wisdom of God's Word.
Here's a very good start for us:
Proverbs 12:18
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
