"Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips."
- Psalm 141:3
 
When God gave a man the power of speech, He entrusted him with something which may bring life or death.
 
An angry word may kill a friendship. An uncharitable remark may send some one into the depths of depression. A bit of gossip may ruin a promising career.
 
The Psalmist, therefore, prays that God may set a sentinel at his mouth who will carefully examine every word before allowing it to pass over his lips. Conscious of his sinfulness, he feels that he cannot master the tongue without God's watchful care.

But more is needed. The tongue is the interpreter of thought. It reveals what is in the heart. We, therefore, need to add . . .

"Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips."
- Psalm 141:3
 
When God gave a man the power of speech, He entrusted him with something which may bring life or death.
 
An angry word may kill a friendship. An uncharitable remark may send some one into the depths of depression. A bit of gossip may ruin a promising career.
 
The Psalmist, therefore, prays that God may set a sentinel at his mouth who will carefully examine every word before allowing it to pass over his lips. Conscious of his sinfulness, he feels that he cannot master the tongue without God's watchful care.

But more is needed. The tongue is the interpreter of thought. It reveals what is in the heart. We, therefore, need to add another prayer of the same Psalmist, one we use each week in Bible Class at the nursing home: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
 
What a blessing the tongue may then be. The Prophet writes: "The LORD God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary." Telling of the Savior who died for us.
 
Christian friends, the LORD can enable you to speak words that build up others and don't just fill the air. Today, make these words of David your prayer: "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.
 
How easy it is to use many words
And give little thought to the things you say!
So, willingly yield your lips to the LORD
And hearts will be blest by them every day.
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - If your mind goes blank, don't forget to turn off the sound.