Tongue-tied

James 3:5,9-10 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.  

Ps 141:1-3 O Lord, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to You. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. 

Many times, in dealing with others, we say things we wish we could take back. We would like to reach out and pull back the hurtful things that slip from our mouths. What has slipped out is usually what is hiding in our hearts.  

In Psalms, David prays that the words of his mouth and the meditations of his heart be pleasing to the Lord. It is easier to control our thoughts than it is to control our words when emotions run high. We use less discretion and less self-control when we are angry.  James tells us it is easier to tame the beasts of the field than to control the tongue. It is easier to change the direction of a large boat than to control the little tongue filled with evil and deadly poison. 

We can, with God's help, change our conversation to what pleases the Lord. We can pour out blessings and encouragement instead of criticism. It isn't easy, but it is a great victory over the power of the enemy. Carefully choosing our words, slowing our response until we have better control of the words we say will bring honor to the Lord of our lips.  

The Lord has told us to be angry but sin not. He said be slow to anger. Offering up soft words instead of harsh ones can change the direction of the conversation. Consider carefully what you want to say before you allow the words to cross the barrier of your lips. Remember that the Lord knows your thoughts before you do. We can't hide them from Him.