Watch Your Mouth
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.James 3:10
Almost in silence.
Did you know that this is not something that is new to today? I can not even begin to tell you how many variations of the word “mouth” are in the Bible, I lost track somewhere over 300 times. As a mom to a pre-teen and a teenager I have to tell you that the mouth, at least in our house, is the biggest enemy to peace and happiness. I wish it weren’t so, but for most people I know the mouth can be their biggest downfall.
I want to take a few minutes and walk with you through a couple of steps throughout our voyage to “Watch Our Mouths”. First we are going to check out some of the struggles of the mouth I have found:
Matthew 15:18 – But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’
Job 21:5 – Look at me and be astonished; clap your hand over your mouth.
Proverbs 21:23 – He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.
Proverbs 10:14 – Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
I don’t want to be a fool, I don’t want to bring about destruction and ruin, I want to learn, grow, build up, encourage, and be a lifter (of God’s Word and of people). At my house we have challenged each other (yep, all four of us) to memorize Scriptures that we have all struggled with and one of our family favorites is Ephesians 4:29.
Ephesians 4:29 – Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
I don’t know about you, but for me, I am a “TALKER”. I love words, I love writing words, and I totally love SPEAKING words! Seriously…I am a talker. If you get near me expect to get involved in conversation because 1) people fascinate me, and 2) I love community and community happens when you spend time getting to know each other.
When I first became a Christian I memorized this next verse because not only was I a talker, but I also had a quick and nasty temper (thankfully some things have changed).
James 1:19
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
I love how God uses His Word to teach us, to shepherd us, and to help us with things that He knows that we struggle with. Really, how cool is it that 2,000 years ago people struggled with some of the same things you and I do. It’s actually quite amazing, isn’t it?
Listen to some of the word pictures, some of the canvases that have been painted with the following words about “words” and your “mouth”.
Proverbs 19:20-21
20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
21 The tongue can bring death or life;
Ok, is it me, or when you read Ecclesiastes 5:2 did you think…hum, am I too quick with my mouth? And if you are honest, really honest, you know that there quite a few times when you wished you had held your tongue just a little longer, right? (Come on, it’s just me…I have a great BIG monster mouth, I admit it, but I can tell you this…God is doing a Good Work with me and in me!)
Psalm 40:3 – He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
Psalm 49:3 – My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding.
Psalm 51:15 – O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
When I start to struggle I can pray and ask God to help me with my mouth…
Psalm 141:3 – Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.
Jeremiah 1:9 – Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth.
Friends, I know it isn’t always easy, and I know that it doesn’t come natural to some of us, but God will be there to help us, to guide us, and to teach us how to use our mouths to glorify Him. I don’t want my words to be my destruction. I want my words to be so encouraging, so uplifting, so filled with Truth and God’s Word that people are drawn to Him through me. That’s all I want…I want to be a vessel that God can use (thanks for that one Donna Partow). If that means I have to go to Mouth Boot Camp then I will, because our God is so worth it.
Start today.
Seek God.
Ask Him to set a guard over your mouth.
Use your mouth to declare your praise to Him.
And be ready to watch what God does…
With My Mouth Closed,
PS – There’s still time left to play in the Mel’s World Scavenger Hunt. Click HERE to go to the post with all the questions.
Great post! I must admit to having mouth problems sometimes. Not really with swearing, but gossip and speaking negative things instead of uplifting things. You have a great list of verses that pertain to the mouth. Thanks!
This is amazing, because this was on my mind today too. I was thinking upon hopes and dreams – and then it came to me that one of my dreams is to testify of what the Lord has done…and I realised that watching my mouth is an area where God did some deep dealing with me, I mean – I had to hit rock bottom to see some stuff, be healed and be freed. I hate gossip, slander and even in the prayer circuit people talking about others (can border on the not good). I have learned to trust God and hold my tongue, and it’s testimony to him totally not me. Now, that short temper side of mine – that is still a work in progress and that part of the mouth still needs taming. Bless you heaps Mel!
I too had a quick temper, “back in the day” and I had to post the scripture from James as a rolling marque on my PC at work! To keep it drilled in my head and heart!
I am so glad to see the progress, but, yet looking for more!
These were wonderful, powerful scriptures. I like the idea of Ecc. “Let my words be few”. That’d be good for me! 🙂 I’ll be “chewing” on that!
Thank you for gifting us with your gift!
Maria
Very well written. You put some great versus on your post. I think I’m going to re write some of them and hang them around our house. We could all use the reminders!
I also like Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
It was the verse I used in my devotional “taking every opportunity.” (you commented on it – it was the one about Hannah Montana and Mikala)
Such a wonderful post, filled with great scripture. Thank you sweetie.
That’s so true – but sometimes I wish I could shut my brain off too because I might not always say things but I’m still thinking them!
These verse are always so convicting. Thanks for the reminder.
P.S. Check your email!
Ha Ha Ha Ha….that is me laughing because I think God has such a great sense of humor. About 2 seconds before I read your post I said some not so kind words to hubby. As soon as her turned away, I started to read this post! Interesting timing isn’t it!
God is good….great post and a timely reminder for me.
I am going to stick you sidebar button on my site. I am enjoying reading these! 🙂
A brilliant blog, Melissa.
You are such an inspiration to me!
Oh the dreaded “mouth”! This is a fantastic post! It’s one we all need to revisit once in a while…especially when you’re a Mom of teens!!
:-)Susan
This is a wonderful post! Reminds of a great booklet by Nancy DeMoss called ‘The Power of Words’. Thanks for the reminder 🙂
In Christ, Chanin
I needed to hear this today! I am also a talker and I usually get myself in trouble!!! I am learning not to worry about everyone else except for myself. I find it easier in life that way but harder on disciplining (sp?) myself!!!!
Thanks for the challenge! I too want to be an encourager, not one that tears down! Only keeping my eyes on God will I have that control! Thanks for all the awesome scripture!