I Will Set a Watch Over My Lips

[Thompson, Darryl]

I Will Set a Watch Over My Lips

     Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Ps.
141:3  

     In the use of language there is perhaps no error that old and young
are more ready to pass over lightly in themselves than hasty, impatient
speech. They think it is a sufficient excuse to plead, "I was off my
guard, and did not really mean what I said." But God's Word does not
treat it lightly. . . .  

     The largest share of life's annoyances, its heartaches, its
irritations, is due to uncontrolled temper. In one moment, by hasty,
passionate, careless words, may be wrought evil that a whole lifetime's
repentance cannot undo. Oh, the hearts that are broken, the friends
estranged, the lives wrecked, by the harsh, hasty words of those who
might have brought help and healing! . . . In his own strength man
cannot rule his spirit. But through Christ he may gain self-control.  

     Uniform firmness and unimpassioned control are necessary to the
discipline of every family. Say what you mean calmly, move with
consideration, and carry out what you say without deviation. . . . Never
let a frown gather upon your brow or a harsh word escape your lips. God
writes all these words in His book of records.  

     Overwork sometimes causes a loss of self-control. But the Lord
never compels hurried, complicated movements. Many gather to themselves
burdens that the merciful heavenly Father did not place on them. Duties
He never designed them to perform chase one another wildly. God desires
us to realize that we do not glorify His name when we take so many
burdens that we are overtasked and, becoming heart weary and brain
weary, chafe and fret and scold. We are to bear only the
responsibilities that the Lord gives us, trusting in Him, and thus
keeping our hearts pure and sweet and sympathetic.

>From My Life Today - Page 81