Watching Your Words

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. –Psalm 141:3 NIV

Why is it so important to watch what we say? There is power in our words. Words can bring joy or despair, life or death. Oftentimes, it is better to be silent and just listen. We need to think more before we speak and to guard our words. We often regret the words we can’t take back. And having the last word often makes matters worse. When responding, we need to have discipline and control, choosing our words carefully. Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) says, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Our words should reflect our relationship with God. We are walking, talking representatives of Jesus. Colossians 4:6 (NIV) says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” We always have a choice when we speak. We must remember that the world is watching how we, as Christians, treat each other.It is not easy to curb the tongue. It does not happen overnight, but we can learn to control our words in time.