HAND OVER YOUR MOUTH

“If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.” ~ Proverbs 30:32 (KJV)

REFERENCE:

Proverbs 30:32 (KJV)

James wrote a treatise on the power of the tongue; he detailed how, like a horse, the tongue is wild by nature. He said that if a man can mind what he says or control his tongue, he will be a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body and order his life aright. He talked about how difficult it is to tame the tongue and how, like a little spark, the tongue can burn down a whole field. So, to tame the tongue, you must learn to put your hand over your mouth.

Seeing that our words spring from the thoughts in our mind (thoughts feed the mouth), our text counsels that if you notice that a negative or evil thought has crept into your mind (or heart), restrain it from becoming words. That is why he said, “Put your hand over your mouth.” If you do nothing about the thought, it will escape through your mouth, and by the creative power of the tongue, you will set a process in motion that will ensure that what you have said happens.

I like the imagery of putting your hand over your mouth. I remember that as a kid, when you follow your mother to a friend’s and the friend asks you a simple question; you see that as a cue to tell them all your family secrets, and you go on and on. A Yoruba mother will drag you to herself, put her hand over your mouth, and tell you firmly, ‘Ó tó!’ (It’s enough!) Of course, she will spank you all the way home. She is training you that you don’t say everything.

It is not everything you think or feel that you should say. Satan knows he can’t do much in your life until you affirm it with your mouth, so he suggests negative thoughts to you. Do not give expression to them. When you have a wrong thought about your life, marriage, health, future, children, business, etc., quickly put your hand on your mouth so those words don’t come out.

Taming the tongue (hand over mouth) is a lifelong task and discipline, but it is possible. The more you master it, the better your life will be. The way to do it is to fill your heart with God’s word, for the mouth speaks out of the abundance of the heart. Also, if you notice that a negative word has escaped your mouth, call it back, ask for mercy, and reverse it.

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL TEXTS:

Proverbs 16:23, Proverbs 18:6-7, Ecclesiastes 5:4-7, and James 3:2-8

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PRAYER:

+ Father, keep me from being impulsive and unguarded with my words.

+ O Lord, set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. (Psalm 141:3)

+ I receive the grace to fill my heart and thoughts with Your word through faithful bible study.