May 10, 2016

Proverbs 21:23 NKJV - "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles."

Commentary:

This verse is probably better put from the NLT, "Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble." 

We spoke yesterday of not letting anything get past your lips that bring you shame.  It is so much better to do what James 1:19 says, "...be swift to hear, slow to speak..."  God gave us two ears and one mouth for a good reason!  If we use our ears twice as much as we use our mouths we would keep ourselves from so much trouble!

Proverbs 18:13 NLT says, "Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish."  Taking time to listen to what people are really saying will provide opportunity to reply with meaningful and helpful words.  A great verse about this is Colossians 4:6 NKJV, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." 

One other verse has been a favorite of mine and will probably be used as a Daily Verse some day.  It is Isaiah 50:4 and I'll let it speak for itself, "The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary..."