By Adrian Rogers

BIBLE MEDITATION:
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Your tongue can get you into a lot of trouble. Nothing can do more damage to your relationships than your words.

Proverbs 17:27 says, “He that hath knowledge spareth his words.” Now, there’s a seeming contradiction—if you have knowledge, if you’re so smart, why wouldn’t you speak a lot? But it’s saying, “If you’re smart, you won’t talk so much.” When you do talk, bear in mind the warning, “Keep your words warm and sweet; later you may have to eat them.”

There’s an old saying I heard a rabbi use once:
“The ears are open and out. They’re unguarded. But the tongue is behind ivory bars.”

• When you’re talking, you’re not learning.
• When you’re not learning, you’re not communicating.
• When you’re not communicating, there will be no intimacy in your relationships.

ACTION POINT:
In what ways has your mouth gotten you into trouble this week? Confess those times before the Lord and ask for strength and wisdom to be a better communicator. And look for opportunities to listen more.

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