How can we guard our tongues according to biblical principles in Psalm 59:7? Setting the scene: poisonous words in Psalm 59:7 Psalm 59:7: “See what they spew from their mouths—swords are on their lips, for ‘Who can hear us?’ ” David shows enemies whose mouths shoot lethal, arrogant words. Their smug question—“Who can hear us?”—ignores the God who hears everything. The heart-tongue link • Matthew 12:34—“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” • Proverbs 4:23—Guarding the heart is the first line of tongue defense. Why a guarded tongue matters • Proverbs 12:18—Reckless words stab like swords. • James 3:6—The tongue can set the whole course of life on fire. • Matthew 12:36—Idle words will meet God’s judgment. Four biblical safeguards 1. Post God as sentry • Psalm 141:3—“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.” • Start each day asking Him to police every syllable. 2. Fill the heart with truth • Colossians 3:16—Let Christ’s word dwell richly. • Regular Scripture intake crowds out toxic speech. 3. Practice deliberate restraint • James 1:19—Be quick to listen, slow to speak. • Proverbs 10:19—Where words are many, sin is unavoidable. • If a sentence fails the Philippians 4:8 test (true, noble, just, pure, lovely, admirable), silence is wiser. 4. Speak to build, bless, benefit • Ephesians 4:29—Only words that build up. • Proverbs 15:1—A gentle answer turns away wrath. • Colossians 4:6—Seasoned with salt, gracious in tone. A quick daily checklist • Pause—Have I listened well first? • Probe—Is my heart clean? • Ponder—Are these words true, necessary, loving? • Pray—Lord, guard my mouth right now. • Proceed—or stay silent. Living it out The men in Psalm 59:7 thought no one heard their vicious talk. God did—and still does. When His Word rules our hearts and His guard stands at our lips, our tongues shift from swords that wound to instruments that heal. |
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