�Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips� (Psalm 141:3).
According to Scripture, the tongue reveals the true person because it tells on the condition of one�s heart. �As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man� (Proverbs 27:19). A man�s heart is the storehouse and his words indicate what�s stored there. As a doctor puts a thermometer under your tongue for your physical temperature, so Scripture teaches that the tongue reveals your spiritual temperature. As was said to Peter by those in the courtyard��Your speech betrays you.� Jesus said in Luke 6:45: �A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.� But we live in a society that thinks it can say anything it wants in the name of freedom of speech, and this attitude often comes into the church. However, James 1:26 tells us that genuine faith shows itself in the control of the tongue. �If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless.� In other words, is your speech consistent with the faith you profess? James says true faith is manifested by those who bridle their tongue, and the reason we must bridle the tongue is because of its great potential to condemn. Proverbs 26:20: �Where there�s no wood, the fire goes out; and where there�s no talebearer, strife ceases.� The talebearer or gossiper who passes on the evil report is the wood that fuels the fire. How are you doing with your tongue? Is your speech seasoned with salt so that it imparts grace to the hearers (Col. 4:5), or do you just let your words fling off your tongue like a little boy who is just beginning to shoot a bow and arrow? David�s prayer ought to be the prayer of every believer: �Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips� (Psalm 141:3); because Jesus said in Matthew 12:37, �For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.�
