Proverbs 13:3 NIV, “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
It’s crucial to be cautious with our words. The words we speak to others, and even the things we say about ourselves, can do good, or they can do harm. Words can build up or they can tear down. They can bring life or death (Proverbs 18:21). One of the best ways to “guard our lips” is to think before we speak. Thinking before we speak honors God and helps us to better love our neighbors. Also taking time to listen to others when they are speaking will help us to better understand how they feel.
Luke 6:45 NIV says, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
Filling our hearts with the wisdom and truth found in God’s Word will empower us to speak words that bring life to ourselves and others.
Drawing Closer to Christ 
Words carelessly spoken can be a destroyer. The Lord warns about the power of the tongue. Thank you Dawn for this wonderful post. God’ s continued blessings and guidance as you share your wisdom and inspiration.. Have a safe day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Mom! Yes words can destroy if not used wisely. Love you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen. May we have the courage, boldness and pure audacity to be unlike the world and speak encouragement, love and kindness to not only those who like us but to those that scream in our faces.
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s a great point…we must speak kindly even with those who scream in our face. Thanks Homer, enjoy your day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Thinking before we speak honors God and helps us to better love our neighbors.”
That sentence right there sums it up for me. Words leave a lasting impression on a person and that power to make or break someone’s day, trust or their confidence is a responsibility that we should consider with more weight.
Thank you Dawn 😊.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Words definitely do leave a lasting impression. It’s hard to get negative things that have been said out of our heads. We must be careful what we say! Thanks Manu! 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post Dawn. If we all could just take a moment before we speak our words, I imagine the world would be a much kinder place. Love Joni
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree Joni. The world would be a kinder place indeed. Love you too. 🌎 ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Dawn, I agree it is important to listen, to think before we speak, and honor God in our words.
I’ve always liked James1:19 b Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry… Thanks, for the reminder to think before we speak. 🌼
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Jeanne! That verse is perfect! We need to speak less and listen more. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen! As one who struggles from time to time with engaging mouth before brain i also keep Psalm 141:3 close by: Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips (NIV).
Blessings,
Pastor Chuck
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s a wonderful verse to keep close by! Blessings Pastor Chuck 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a good message. Something that is always so needed. Thanks for sharing the reminder to guard our words and listen closely to what others speak. God bless. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome Tina! I agree, I need this reminder regularly. Blessings! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
this verse has become my mantra: Ps. 141:3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s a great verse! I need to meditate on it often. Thanks Brenda for sharing. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is power in our tongues. Indeed, we have to be careful what we are saying to ourselves and those surrounding us. It’s interesting because a young lady was information of ladies yesterday about being careful about the words we speak. It can either build or tear us down. The words we speak can be an entranceway for so many unnecessary doors to open. May God help us 🙏🏿. Thank you for sharing this post Dawn 🤗
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Karen! Great hearing from you! I read something else recently about our words too. God is speaking to us on this topic lately. That’s true, words can cause so much unnecessary harm. You’re welcome! 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dawn, no problem. Indeed, it’s been a constant reminder that we must be careful of the words that we speak and also learning to walk in wisdom. Words are powerful so we have to be mindful of what we release from our mouths. God bless you 🤗🙏🏿
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen! Prayers for wisdom have become a regular prayer request for me these days. We definitely need it. 🙏🏿
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen little sister. We need to let our words be seasoned with grace.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the way you put it, “seasoned with grace”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Dawn I have been missing your posts. Glad to see you doing well!
Thank you for a great post reminding us to guard our lips with the words we say to others as well as ourselves. The fallen one tricks us with using our words so diligence is key.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Pene! I took a blogging break and just returned a couple of weeks ago, but I’m thankful to be back. You’re welcome. That’s true, we must remain diligent with the words we speak to avoid the enemy’s tricks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok. Hope you got great “recharge”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, it’s absolutely crucial to guard our lips. Words, meant to speak life!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes it is!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the picture. Remember when we used to quote “sticks and stones can break my bones but words cannot.” We hardly hear anybody say that anymore. We have come to the realization that words are spirit and they can either help or harm you. May God help us to guard our lips. Have a blessed weekend. I guess you are looking forward to your holiday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes I remember that! I’m glad too kids don’t say it now because it’s not true. Words can hurt. The weekend is great. I’m thankful for the extra day off! Hope you have enjoyed your weekend. 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am glad you enjoyed your long weekend. I think that we use to say that phrase to hide our embarrassment of being hurt by the negative words. Thank God we have grown wiser in our thinking. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you’re right, saying that was a way to cover up the hurt. Yes thank you Lord we know better now! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Word!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍🏿😊
LikeLike
Great lessons learnt;
1.)Think before you speak
2.)Be a good listener.
3.)Fill your heart with the wisdom and truth found in God’s Word
Thank you sister!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! I love the way you made a list. Thank you! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
100%. I love how you say that thinking before we speak is a way to honor God. I completely believe that. It’s a way to put off our natural instinct and follow our values instead. Sometimes we still speak up, but that guard is so important. Thank you for sharing, Dawn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jenny! We do need to think more so we can honor God in the things we say. Have a blessed day. You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely post Dawn. I learned this rather late in life….but rather late than never, right? Still learning to practise this policy 🤭🙃😅…thanks for sharing 🎀🌻🎀🌻🎀🎀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, better late than never lol. I’m learning the importance of saying the right things too. You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉🤐🤫🤭😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol 😉
LikeLike
Good read and good reminder
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!!
LikeLike
Thoughtful topic! This verse from Proverbs is a prophetic one. I used to remind some of my teaching colleagues to be careful with confidential information on students. I remember this phrase, “Loose lips sink ships.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! And that was a good reminder! It’s easy to get sucked into gossip and other inappropriate conversations if we’re not careful. I like that phrase, I never heard it before.
LikeLike