The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin (Proverbs 13:3 NASB).
Sometimes there’s nothing to say. And that’s not a bad thing.

I’ve been accused of not always being forthcoming with my thoughts or feelings. To me that’s ironic since I know too well how I’ve hurt people with my words.
In this cultural age, in my generation, the name of the game has been, “How does that make you feel?” and “Let’s all share what we think.” In the age of talk shows and arm chair psychology, we’re all encouraged to hold nothing back.
In all honesty, I’m an advocate of open, honest communication. I’m an advocate of dealing with personal issues. I’m an advocate of talking about hurts.
I’m also an advocate of guarding my mouth. And an advocate of humbling myself and letting Jesus be my guard, of being silent before my shearers. And I’m an advocate of offering a gentle answer (Proverbs 15:1).
And sometimes, that means saying nothing, even when I’m hurt or offended. It means forgiving in my heart before and instead of voicing my rights. It means I probably won’t be a very interesting talk show guest.
But that’s okay with me. I would rather preserve my life than come to ruin.
Jesus gives me life and that’s the only life I want. Words are powerful. By His word, the world was created. He is the Word of life.
I want my words to preserve and give life. So I will choose my words carefully. And remember that not all words bring life. Many words bring ruin. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent (Ecclesiastes 3:7).
Lord, let my words be words of life.
*What is your prayer for your words? Is it a time for silence or what words of life do you have for those around you?