Proverbs 13:3 “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.”
What does it mean to “guard” my lips? A guard carefully checks everything that tries to pass through and stops anything that is suspicious, troublesome, or potentially dangerous. In the same way, I must weigh my words carefully and stop any rash, harmful, or foolish thoughts from turning verbal and passing through my lips (or keyboard). Words are tied to life. Harmful words can lead to ruin – of others and of myself.
Father, please keep me on guard about everything I say today. Hold me back from recklessness and gossip. I want to speak kind words that brighten the lives of people who are anxious and weighed down. And I ask for courage to speak truth even in the face of power and threat.
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