Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: The Door to My Lips

Set a guard over my mouth, LORD;

keep watch over the door of my lips.

Psalm 141:3

How can we guard our mouths? How can we only let good words pass through our lips? How can we keep the not-so-good ones locked behind the door?

It isn't easy. Evidently even the eloquent psalmist David had trouble with this. Psalm 141:3 is his prayer for a mouth guard! 

We can also pray David's prayer. In addition, let's try using a mental checklist to help us know when to open the door of our lips and when to keep it shut. 

Before you speak ask yourself these 3 questions:

1. Is what I am about to say necessary? Or am I just trying to fill the silence?
2. Is it kind? Sometimes hard words are necessary, but perhaps there is a kinder way to day them.
3. Is it something I would say if Jesus were sitting next to me? If I were more aware of Jesus' presence, perhaps I would be more careful with my speech.

Let's try using this checklist as we learn to use discretion in our speech.