◄ What Does Proverbs 13:3 Mean? ►

The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

Proverbs 13:3(HCSB)

Verse of the Day

Every verse in the book of Proverbs holds gems of wisdom from the Lord, whether they are words of warning or precious pearls of instruction, exhortation to live a godly life, or simply encouragement to trust in the Lord with all our heart and to keep the eyes of our heart firmly fixed onto our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The council in this little verse of Scripture has colossal consequences, for although the mouth is so small and the tongue is a tiny member of the body, it has far-reaching ramifications. Jesus tells us that it is the words that come out of the mouth that defile a man, for our speech reflects the thoughts of our heart, while James reminds us that a tiny spark carelessly cast from the tongue, can ignite a great and destructive inferno.

How true that the one who guards his mouth and the words of his lips will keep himself out of trouble and preserve his life, while the one who opens his lips wide in careless cackling will come to ruin. How important, therefore, to let all the conversation that pours from our lips, be always full of grace and seasoned with salt so that we may know how we ought to answer everyone.

The Lord Jesus is the perfect example of One whose words were gracious and kind, wise and instructive, for He spoke the truth in love. As we bathe the thoughts of our heart in the Word of God and meditate on the truth of His wisdom, we will not only guard our mouth to keep us from evil but will pour out His words of healing and help to others – until it is not I that speak – but Christ that speaks through me.

My Prayer

Loving Father, how I praise You for my body, which is fearfully and wonderfully made. Guard my tongue from speaking foolish words and ill-considered comments. Rather, let my speech be always gracious, good, and kind, as I speak the truth in love. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.