Proverbs 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
Context: Proverbs 13:1-2 A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. 2From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.
From the lexicon: Keeps=guards. Keeps=preserves. Life=soul. Opens=parts, opens wide. Have destruction=come to ruin.
Pulling it together: Proverbs 3:13: He that keeps-guards what comes out of his mouth, keeps-preserves his life-soul. He that opens wide his lips-letting anything come out shall have destruction-come to ruin. The writer of this proverb gives the same sentiment that we find in the book of James. The tongue though it is a small member of the body can cause much trouble. Jesus said it this way in Luke 6:45: The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
We so often speak before we think, and we so often let our thoughts run rampant when we face those contrary to our way of doing things. James sounds very pessimistic when he says that no one can control his tongue. This is true. None of us can, but the Holy Spirit that dwells within believers has the power to overcome our raging thoughts and harmful words. The world needs to see the transformed lives whose words reflect the redeeming love of the Father Who sent His Son to save all those lost in sin.
Lord, I pray for grace to control my tongue, so that the words that I speak will bring reconciliation to You and not words that lead to destruction.