Zip it.

Running our mouths is a serious problem
for us humans. We get going and it is like our lips and the logical and empathetic parts of our brains become disconnected. We don’t think about what we are saying or how we are saying it or the audience members of our listeners. We want to share our opinions and then claim them as absolute truths. We say things like “someone needed to say that” or “well, it’s true.” And when we really get going out mouths get us into serious trouble.

Guarding our tongue from all the ways it can get us in to trouble is a major theme of Solomon’s proverbs. It is also a resounding theme throughout the Bible: good talking vs. bad talking. Repeatedly major individuals in the Bible get themselves into trouble by running their mouth. Abraham. Jacob. David. Jephthah, Peter, James and John, Jonah, – the list goes on and on. Their lives should serve as cautionary examples.

Think of all the ways your mouth can lead you to sin: Lying – back biting – complaining – gossiping – outbursts – idle babbling – pot stirring questions – cruelty – swearing – and the list continues.

James tells us the tongue is like a wildfire. Who can contain it!! If we aren’t careful – we can see our entire lives go up in smoke because of an unruly mouth.

So, God’s solution and His command is quite simple. Guard you mouth and be slow to talk. Just because you think it doesn’t mean it needs to be shared. Just because it’s true doesn’t mean it needs to be said a loud. Just because you feel it doesn’t mean you need to express it.

So, next time you want to say something. Think about it before you say it.

Is it yours to repeat? No – keep your mouth shut.
Is it necessary? No – keep your mouth shut.
Is it true? No – keep your mouth shut.
Is it rooted in negativity? Yes – your mouth shut.
Is it kind? No – keep your mouth shut.
Is it profane or crude? Yes – keep your mouth shut.
Is it helpful? No – keep your mouth shut.

We like to talk but God is very clear on the matter. Less talking and more listening and thinking. 🤫🤐🤫🤐🤫🤐