Keep your mouth shut!

"19Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut."

                                                                Proverbs 10:19    NLT

This verse demonstrates that the bible places significant value on controlling one's tongue and suggests that keeping one's mouth shut, or at least being mindful of one's words, is a path to  wisdom, protection and avoiding trouble. James says 'For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.'  James 3:2. Again, we read in Proverbs 21:23 'Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.'

Straight to the point I'm sure you'll agree but true all the same. The problem is, lots of things come into our minds and from there, if we're not careful, they are processed into words and spoken out in a negative fashion. But, we must learn to capture these rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5), because these thoughts are bad for us. We may not speak them out, but we can think them and this could be in the way of judgement, adultery, aggression and whatever else. They are no good for us So, there is a need to take control of ourselves, especially our minds.

From a Christian perspective, controlling thoughts involves actively engaging with God's Word, prayer, and cultivating a mindset aligned with Christian values. This includes replacing negative thoughts with positive ones based on truth, focusing on what is pure and uplifting, and taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. This fits very nicely with what Paul says in Philippians 4:8

'Fix your thoughts on what is true and honourable, and right and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.' 

Let us not forget that there is a devil around who will urge us to speak our minds. This is often done by shooting from the hip - speaking out without thinking first. This is dangerous and needs fixing pretty quickly. It can ruin a relationship, a job or a friendship. Many people are not speaking to each other today because of what was said to them yesterday. Forgiveness can be sought yes, but really, it shouldn't have been said in the first place. Not forgiving someone is against God's will but, so is being rude to them; so it needs putting right.

So, if you are outspoken get some prayer and speak with God about it. He doesn't like it so, He will help you quickly if you are genuine about changing this. After all, it's not the type of thing Jesus would do, is it? So bring it to Him now!

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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