Set a Guard Over My Mouth - Psalms 140-142 and I Corinthians 14:1-20
David realized that words are important. What we say or what we don't say makes a difference. Therefore, David asked the Lord to set a guard over his mouth, to keep watch over the door of his lips. He did not want anything harmful to leave his mouth. This was said in the context of prayer, and it was said because the enemies of David had sharpened their tongues like a serpent. David did not want to be like his enemies. He did not want to say the wrong thing to God or to man. I believe we all need to take the same care about our words. Words hurt people. Words cause trouble. Words can bring healing, or they can cause division. We must take them seriously, and ask God to give us the power to control our mouths. That is the only way we can win the battle over the tongue.
It is interesting to read the discussion in I Corinthians 14 about speaking in tongues and prophesying. I know there is a lot of disagreement over the exact meaning of tongues, but I do not want to address that today. Step back and see the big picture of what God is saying. He is saying that even speaking in tongues can be harmful, if it is not done as God directs. It can bring confusion, instead of edification. Therefore, Paul said that it was better to say words that are clearly understood. He spoke up for words that build people up. I say amen to that. We must stop and ask God for His direction no matter what it is we are saying, even if it is a spiritual gift like tongues. We can do harm while using a spiritual gift, if it is not used in God's will. That was happening in Corinth, and it happens today. We can say we are just being honest or that we mean to help, but if we miss God's will, our words can tear someone down instead of helping them to grow. Let's all be very careful about our speech and let's commit our words to the Lord. Let's ask Him to direct us in what to say and in what not to say each day and to each person we meet.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 143-145 and I Corinthians 14:21-40.
It is interesting to read the discussion in I Corinthians 14 about speaking in tongues and prophesying. I know there is a lot of disagreement over the exact meaning of tongues, but I do not want to address that today. Step back and see the big picture of what God is saying. He is saying that even speaking in tongues can be harmful, if it is not done as God directs. It can bring confusion, instead of edification. Therefore, Paul said that it was better to say words that are clearly understood. He spoke up for words that build people up. I say amen to that. We must stop and ask God for His direction no matter what it is we are saying, even if it is a spiritual gift like tongues. We can do harm while using a spiritual gift, if it is not used in God's will. That was happening in Corinth, and it happens today. We can say we are just being honest or that we mean to help, but if we miss God's will, our words can tear someone down instead of helping them to grow. Let's all be very careful about our speech and let's commit our words to the Lord. Let's ask Him to direct us in what to say and in what not to say each day and to each person we meet.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 143-145 and I Corinthians 14:21-40.