Proverbs 13:3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
    but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.

To a man of words like me, this verse seems rather ominous! Wise men, even apart from the Bible, have noted from thousands of years ago that we are given one mouth and two ears, and so should listen twice as much as we talk. Some people seem gifted in that area, and some rather the opposite. I take some comfort in the specific turn of phrase in the second half, speaking of lips (as the ESV and the Japanese express it). That to me implies a braggart, someone trying to draw attention to himself. The NIV interprets that as “speak rashly,” which to me bolsters my impression. It is also interesting to note that where English translations say, “preserves his life,” the Japanese says, “preserves his soul.” A person can be physically alive and yet their soul be as empty as a discarded drink can. As Jesus said, our lives are far more than material possessions. (Matthew 6:25-34) Running off at the mouth can get us into trouble on many different levels. In the New Testament, James is famous for putting a lot of stress on this area, particularly in chapter 3 of his letter, so this is far from “an Old Testament issue.” We all need to keep watch over our mouths, what comes out of them as well as what goes into them.

I couldn’t begin to count how many times I’ve gotten into trouble because of things I’ve said, but I could give you several examples! Most of the time it’s been because I was showing off in some way, and that’s exactly what this verse is talking about. More regrettably, to me, have been the many times I have hurt people needlessly with my words. I am to speak the truth always, but not everything has to be said, and love must guide how and why I speak. I am all too prone to speak to defend myself or my position, and that motive isn’t agape love. (On a completely side note, I noticed years ago that the computer doesn’t flag that Greek word, because the spelling is the same as an English word that means, “standing open,” as in, “They stood there, mouths agape, in astonishment.”) I must always speak to build people up, expressing God’s grace and truth to them as one who is completely dependent on that grace and truth.

Father, thank You for this reminder. It is an area where I have grown, but I certainly need to continue to grow! As David said, “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14) May I speak always and only as You desire and intend, for the blessing of my hearers and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!