What steps can we take to guard against prideful speech like in Psalm 73:9? The Verse Under the Microscope “They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue struts across the earth.” (Psalm 73:9) The Heart Behind Prideful Speech • Pride lifts the speaker above God’s authority and above other people. • It flows from a heart that has forgotten “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). • Jesus said, “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34) Practical Steps for Guarding Our Tongues • Bow to God’s sovereignty daily – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand.” (1 Peter 5:6) • Store up Scripture that cultivates humility – Memorize Proverbs 16:18; Philippians 2:3–4; James 4:6. • Pause before speaking – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (James 1:19) • Filter words through edification – “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up.” (Ephesians 4:29) • Replace boasting with thanksgiving – “Give thanks in every circumstance.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) • Invite the Spirit’s control – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Training the Tongue Daily 1. Morning surrender: ask the Lord to guard your lips (Psalm 141:3). 2. Five-second rule: pause, pray, then speak. 3. Gratitude journal: end each day listing evidences of God’s grace to curb self-exaltation. Staying Accountable in Community • Seek a trusted believer who will lovingly point out arrogant words. • Practice confessing slip-ups promptly (James 5:16). • Model humble speech for younger believers (Titus 2:7-8). Keeping an Eternal Perspective • Remember the Judge hears every word (Matthew 12:36). • Celebrate that Christ’s cross covers confessed sins of the tongue (1 John 1:9). • Look forward to hearing “Well done” more than hearing yourself talk (Colossians 3:2). Putting It Into Practice • Start today with Psalm 19:14 on your lips: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” |
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