Guard Our Speech

 The tongue is a very small instrument but it can be extremely influential, both for good and for evil. In the book of Proverbs, we find many examples where the tongue can be used for good but it also describes the harmful mischief-making and untold damage that a deceitful, gossiping, murmuring, or lying tongue can inflict on an innocent victim.
 The tongues of the righteous can give great encouragement and instruction, help and warning. The tongue is the beautiful instrument that is utilized to sing words of worshipful praise to the Lord God Almighty, and proclaim the wonders of His name and the glories of His majesty.
 However, the tongues of the wicked have been described as tools of destruction and instruments which can produce much pain and heartache. The tongue has been likened to a sharp sword which can inflict malicious backbiting against a neighbor, or has been likened to the poisonous venom of a forked-tongued serpent which can be used to frame deceit and harness trickery.
 May we be those who are careful with words, Guard Our Speech, and use our words to heal and not hurt, to guard and not gossip, to edify and encourage and not to wreak havoc. May our tongues be used to glorify God, knowing that this small instrument is under our personal control. May we choose to curb our tongue and use it for good and not for ill.
Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.

Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the warnings Your Word gives about the devastation that unguarded words can have. Help us to keep our tongues under control, being slow to speak but quick to listen. May the words that we speak and the meditation of our hearts always be acceptable to You, our God and our Savior. In Jesus' name we Pray, AMEN.