Working in HR, I see the enormous impact of people’s words, including my own. Our words can skew a narrative; affirm someone’s confidence; or infuse personal emotions into situations that complicate the actual matter at hand.

Our words have the power to bring clarity or cause a lot of trouble.

Learning how to guard what comes out of our mouth is probably one of the biggest challenges we have as human beings.

God knew this would be a problem for us and, in His wisdom, provides ample truth so that we can learn how to control our reckless-prone mouths.

“The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” (Proverbs 21:23 CSV)

“The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin. If you are wise, you will keep quiet.” (Proverbs 10:19 GNT)

“The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering…” (Proverbs 15:28 CSV)

These verses are so clear and simple, aren’t they? Yet, we read them and might think, “Easier said than done!”

But like many other things, the discipline of learning to control our mouths takes time. It’s not something that will happen overnight.

Our willingness to be obedient, however, is.

If we recognize we have a runaway mouth problem, are we willing to admit it? If so, are we willing to surrender it and submit ourselves to God and His Word to become more mature, kind, and gracious in how we use our words?

That, my friends, is the key.

Our mouth is the conduit for what is already in our hearts.

“The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Matthew 12:34 NIV)

Surrendering our mouths ultimately begins with surrendering our hearts.

Doing this invites God into our lives to do His life-changing, grace-filling, reckless-mouth saving work that only He can do.

And then, He promises to help us learn how to speak and use our words in a life-giving way.

“…’Who placed a mouth on humans?…I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.’” (Exodus 4:11 & 12 CSV)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!