What practical steps can we take to avoid "the words of their lips"? Setting the Scene “By the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride” (Psalm 59:12). David’s enemies spewed lies, curses, and boasts. He asked God to deal with them, but he also modeled how a believer can keep distance from such destructive speech. What Are “the Words of their Lips”? • Malicious slander (Psalm 64:3) • Deceptive flattery (Proverbs 26:24–25) • Proud boasting (Psalm 12:3–4) • Profanity and curses (James 3:9–10) Why We Must Avoid Them • They erode faith and trust (1 Corinthians 15:33). • They plant seeds of bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). • They provoke God’s judgment (Matthew 12:36–37). Practical Steps to Avoid “the Words of their Lips” Guard Your Ears • Refuse to linger where ungodly talk dominates. “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked” (Psalm 1:1). • Mute media that normalizes profanity, gossip, or blasphemy. Anchor Your Heart in Scripture • Daily absorb God’s truth: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). • Let Scripture be the filter that exposes counterfeit speech. Choose God-Honoring Companions • “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). • Cultivate friendships that model wholesome, edifying talk. Control Your Own Tongue • “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up” (Ephesians 4:29). • Before speaking, ask: Will these words honor Christ and help the listener? Pray for Discernment and Restraint • “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). • The Spirit empowers self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). Redirect or Exit Toxic Conversations • “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). • When redirection fails, politely depart (2 Timothy 2:16). Speak Life Instead • Replace corrupt words with praise, testimony, and encouragement (Hebrews 13:15). • Memorize short Scriptures to share in everyday dialogue. A Quick Daily Checklist □ Did I start the day in God’s Word? □ Am I vigilant about what enters my ears? □ Are my closest friends people who fear the Lord? □ Did I pause before speaking? □ Have I prayed for a guarded mouth today? □ Did I replace negativity with truth and grace? By practicing these steps, we distance ourselves from “the words of their lips” and become instruments of blessing rather than echoes of corruption. |
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