“Put your hand on your mouth”

This mouth of which most everyone uses, and is used by, has both great and terrible moments.

The Bible speaks to us clearly to watch our words and be mindful of what we say.

Do not malign a servant to his master, Lest he curse you, and you be found guilty. Proverbs 30:10 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.30.10.NKJV

This verse might seem out of date as the average person doesn’t have servants nor do we think in ways of those who serve and those who are served.

But it has not lost it’s truth.

Because the Bible tells us that each person was created by God, and although many do not choose to serve Him, He is the One all will answer to.

Thus, when we speak against another, we are actually speaking against God’s creation.

Therefore, we can easily transgress this verse, because God’s Word is clear:

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.
Ephesians 4:31‭-‬32 NKJV

God is aware that we are going to struggle in this area of words.

For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
James 3:2 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/jas.3.2.NKJV

But knowing it’s going to be so much better that we follow His Word and guard our lips, He gives us many scriptures of encouragement and guidance.

Job 27:4 KJV — My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.

Psalm 34:13 KJV — Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Psalm 120:2 KJV — Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

We shall find these words “of Agur the son of Jakeh,”(Proverbs 30:1a) will give us a physical action to help with this troublesome member of the body.

If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, Or if you have devised evil, put  your hand on your mouth.
Proverbs 30:32 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.30.32.NKJV

Before we speak our hearts need to be focused on the truths of scripture, but if we find we’ve already said something we shouldn’t it’s not too late to stop.

May we find our guidance in the Lord and His Word for all areas of life, including our speech.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your understanding of how difficult it is to tame my tongue, to keep the words I speak to those which are edifying and wholesome. Lord, You know it is a heart issue, that often my sinful nature takes offense and thus ugliness grows and often shows itself in my speech. Lord Jesus, I don’t want that. I want to be whole before You and cleansed from all unrighteousness. I know it’s a lifelong process, but I humbly request that You remind me to put my hand over my mouth if I’m tempted to speak words which would be sinful, things which would accuse, times that would sow discord and division. Lord Jesus, You alone know what is best and I submit myself before You. Thank You for this reminder. Thank You for Your patience as I learn. I love You. Amen.