Words that Walk in Wisdom
Well now, friend, brush the dust off on that ol’ front porch mat and come right on up here like a lively lil’ ol’ chipmunk that just plum discovered a fresh stash of acorns. I surely am glad you stopped by for a lil’ ol’ spell. So, ease yourself onto that ol’ rocker over yonder that groans like an lil’ barn cat wakin’ up from a too‑long nap, and settled in real good. We’re about to be movin’ on into a truth that’ll steady your heart better than a big kettle of peach jam bubblin’ slow on the stove. Psalm 141:3, “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.” That there verse fits this message tighter than a lid on a jar of homemade dill pickles.
Now, friend, the tongue is sho’-nuff’ a mighty small thing, but it plum can kick up more trouble faster than an ol’ Banty rooster that downright thinks the whole barnyard needs wakin’ up all at once. Proverbs 18:13 reminds us that “spoutin’ off before listenin’ is both shameful and foolish.” And if we are real honest, most of us have let our words run wild like a lil’ ol’ squirrel dartin’ across the yard without lookin’ both ways. What we say reveals what’s simmerin’ inside us. Our words are sho’-nuff’ the table of contents to our hearts.
David knew this mighty well. He faced lions, bears, and giants without flinchin’, yet he prayed for help with his mouth. He understood that tamin’ the tongue takes more strength than wranglin’ a stubborn ol’ mule. That’s plum why he asked the Lord to guard his lips. And Proverbs 21:23 says, “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” That’s sho’-nuff’ Scripture’s way of sayin’ that watchin’ your words can save you from a heap of trouble.
The apostle Paul tells us in Colossians 4:5-6 to let our conversation be gracious and attractive. Ephesians 4:29 reminds us that “our words should build up, not tear down.” Proverbs 15:4 says that “gentle words are a tree of life.” But we sho’-nuff’ can’t do any of this on our own. We plum need the Lord to set a guard over our mouths and keep watch over the door of our lips.
Father, help me speak words that honor you. Guard my mouth, steady my thoughts, and fill my heart with grace so that what comes out of me brings life, not harm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well now friend, I reckon it’s plum about time for you to be carryin’ this here truth with you as you git to headin’ on into your next adventures sho’-nuff’ holdin’ it the way a determined lil’ ol’ raccoon guards a shiny treasure it found near the creek. Remember that your words can bless stronger than a real warm sunrise spillin’ across a quiet meadow on a cold winter mornin’. Step forward with the calm confidence of an ol’ pack horse that knows exactly which trail leads toward home. And keep your lips under the Lord’s watch, friend, because a guarded tongue shines brighter than a glowin’ lantern on a dark country night.
With joy,
Gwen
