3 Lord, set up a guard for my mouth;
keep watch at the door of my lips. (Psalm 141:3 CSB)

This may be one of the most needed scriptural request we can make. Well, at least it is for me.

I am much better these days than I have been in the past, but I have moments where my lips are moving before my brain fully engages. Furthermore, far too often I do not consult the Lord first before I speak. Like I said, I am better now, but I still have my moments.

I like to say that God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we would listen twice as much as we speak. While listening twice as much, we need to be inquiring of the Spirit within to make sure we are speaking accordingly. A discerning answer can often dampen a heated exchange.

There has to be a humble calm in our responses. It is easy to allow our desire to be heard to overcome the actual need to be heard. Our voice may not be the most important thing in a conversation.

Francis of Assisi said, ”Preach the gospel at all times, use words if necessary.” I think no truer or more valuable words have ever been spoken.