Key Verse: “When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is prudent.” (Proverbs 10:19 CSB)
On a couple of occasions, I have made the mistake of turning on the garden hose at my house without first checking to make sure that the nozzle was in the off position. What happened? The water started flowing and the hose starting flinging around wildly and spraying water everywhere completely out of control.
This image can be very similar to what happens when it comes to our words. For some people, their mouth is like an unrestrained garden hose, spraying words everywhere. What they really need is to get a firm grip on their mouth and turn it off. Have you ever met someone like that?
The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about the power of our words and our need for self-control in this area. In Proverbs 10:19, we are reminded of the principle that excessive talking will inevitably lead to sin. An uncontrolled mouth usually ends up saying things that shouldn’t be said.
Proverbs 10 isn’t the only place where we see this principle taught. Elsewhere we read that,“The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin” (Proverbs 13:3). Or to put it a different way, “The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble” (Proverbs 21:23).
What’s the big deal though anyway? Is it really that important to learn to get a grip on our mouths? Doesn’t it feel good every once in a while to get a few things off your chest and just say whatever is on your mind? Actually, it does feel good at times. But we still need to learn to control our mouths. Jesus said, “I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak” (Matthew 12:36). Apparently, this is a big deal to Jesus. Wisdom or prudence then means learning to restrain our words.
So how can we learn to get a grip on our mouths so that we aren’t like an unrestrained garden hose spraying words everywhere? A good place to start is by identifying the times and situations when you find it most difficult to control your words. Is it when you’re around a certain person? Is it when you’re tired or angry? Is it when you feel threatened or are feeling hurt by someone?
Ultimately, the key to learning self-control in this area is not by trying harder or coming up with a clever strategy. Self-control is a fruit of God’s Spirit at work in our lives. The key to success in this area is a heart that is more fully surrendered to Him. It’s about learning to depend on Him more and more in every moment.
Prayer: Father, I want every word that I speak to be honoring and pleasing to you. I confess that there are times when I miss the mark and sin with my words. Cleanse my heart today so that what flows from it would only be the fruit of your Spirit in me. Help me I pray. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
