Psalm 141:3 “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
My speech is a key indicator of my relationship with God. I cannot please God with a loose, undisciplined tongue (James 1:26). “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18). “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24). If I am sharp-tongued, eager to gossip, or thoughtless in my communication, I undermine my witness before a watching world.
Father, as the psalmist prayed, I ask that you would set a guard over my mouth today. Please use my words for healing and encouragement, not for wounding, misleading, or provoking unnecessary conflict. Protect the door of my lips from uttering careless, impulsive words. And please purify my thoughts each moment so that I am filled with your love, wisdom, and compassion for everyone I meet today.