By
Nina Ditoro
When I was in Dental Assisting school, I learned something very
interesting about the mouth in my Anatomy class: The human anatomy consists
of three relatively large muscles that are responsible for closing the
mouth, and only one tiny muscle that is responsible for opening the mouth.
One can not help but wonder if God intended for us to keep our mouths closed
more often than open. It certainly does seem that our little mouths can get
us into a lot of trouble.
Many times in the book of Proverbs, Solomon observes and compares the
wisdom of guarding one’s mouth versus the iniquity in store for those who
do not.
In
the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But
he who restrains his lips is wise.
-Proverbs
10:19
He
who guards his mouth preserves his life,
But
he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
-Proverbs
13:3
He
who has knowledge spares his own words,
And
a man of understanding is of calm spirit.
Even
a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;
When
he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
-Proverbs
17:27-28
Whoever
guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps
his soul from troubles.
-Proverbs
21:23
A
fool vents all his feelings,
But
a wise man holds them back.
-Proverbs
29:11
Do
you see a man hasty in his words?
There
is more hope for a fool than for him.
-Proverbs
29:20
When Christ was on trial at the end of His life, He amazed those who
were present by not saying a word in response to the barrage of false
accusations and questions aimed at Him. Without a doubt it was His ability
to control His mouth that helped Christ to live a sinless life and be the
ultimate sacrificial lamb without blemish (Heb. 4:15).
In James 3, James talks about the power of the
tongue, and James 3:2 says that if “anyone
does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole
body.” It would seem, therefore, that
controlling our tongues is key to becoming more like Christ.
Let
the words of my mouth
And
the meditation of my heart
Be
acceptable in Your sight,
O
Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
-Proverbs
19:14
