In what ways can we prepare our hearts to speak God's truth today? Listening to Job 33:2 “See now, I open my mouth; my tongue in my mouth speaks.” (Job 33:2) Elihu models a heart ready to speak for God—mouth open, words flowing—yet he does so after silently listening (Job 32:4–6). His example guides us into practical ways to prepare our own hearts before we open our mouths today. Recognizing the Weight of Our Words • Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” • James 3:1–2 warns teachers will face stricter judgment. • Psalm 19:14 sets the target: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” A sober grasp of this weight drives us to intentional preparation. Filling the Heart with Scripture • Read broadly and deeply—Joshua 1:8; Colossians 3:16. • Memorize key passages; the Spirit recalls what we store (John 14:26). • Meditate, letting truth seep into attitudes and motives (Psalm 1:2–3). When Scripture saturates the inner life, the mouth naturally releases truth (Luke 6:45). Guarding Personal Integrity • Confess known sin—Psalm 66:18 shows unresolved sin blocks effective speech. • Practice what we will proclaim—1 John 3:18; Titus 2:7–8. • Keep short accounts with others (Matthew 5:23–24). A clean conscience lends credibility and boldness (1 Timothy 1:5). Submitting Words to the Spirit • Daily ask for wisdom and timing—James 1:5. • Yield control of the tongue—Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 15:23. • Expect the Spirit to supply words when needed—Luke 12:12; Acts 4:31. Dependence turns ordinary conversation into divine appointment. Cultivating Humility and Compassion • Remember we, too, were once blind—Ephesians 2:1–4. • Approach others as fellow image-bearers (Genesis 1:27). • Speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), blending clarity with kindness. Humility disarms defenses and keeps God, not self, at center stage. Prioritizing Prayer before Speech • Pray privately for the person or audience—1 Samuel 12:23. • Pray silently even mid-conversation (Nehemiah 2:4). • Pray afterward, entrusting results to God—1 Corinthians 3:6–7. Prayer aligns the heart with God’s purposes and opens ears to hear. Staying Ready in Every Season • 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give an answer… yet with gentleness and respect.” • 2 Timothy 4:2: “Be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” Continuous readiness flows from continuous fellowship with Christ. Putting It All Together 1. Weigh the responsibility. 2. Soak in Scripture. 3. Keep integrity intact. 4. Rely on the Spirit. 5. Clothe truth with love. 6. Bathe conversation in prayer. 7. Stay alert for every opportunity. Like Elihu, we can open our mouths confidently, knowing our hearts are prepared and our words are anchored in God’s unchanging truth. |
    |