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I Will Set a Watch Over My Lips, March 18
Exercising Self-control
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3
In the use of language there is perhaps no error that old and young
are more ready to pass over lightly in themselves than hasty, impatient
speech. They think it is a sufficient excuse to plead, “I was off my guard,
and did not really mean what I said.” But God’s Word does not treat it
lightly....
The largest share of life’s annoyances, its heartaches, its irritations,
is due to uncontrolled temper. In one moment, by hasty, passionate,
careless words, may be wrought evil that a whole lifetime’s repentance
cannot undo. Oh, the hearts that are broken, the friends estranged,
the lives wrecked, by the harsh, hasty words of those who might have
brought help and healing! ... In his own strength man cannot rule his
spirit. But through Christ he may gain self-control.
Uniform firmness and unimpassioned control are necessary to the
discipline of every family. Say what you mean calmly, move with
consideration, and carry out what you say without deviation.... Never let
a frown gather upon your brow or a harsh word escape your lips. God
writes all these words in His book of records.
Overwork sometimes causes a loss of self-control. But the Lord never
compels hurried, complicated movements. Many gather to themselves
burdens that the merciful heavenly Father did not place on them. Duties
He never designed them to perform chase one another wildly. God
desires us to realize that we do not glorify His name when we take
so many burdens that we are overtasked and, becoming heart weary
and brain weary, chafe and fret and scold. We are to bear only the
responsibilities that the Lord gives us, trusting in Him, and thus keeping
our hearts pure and sweet and sympathetic.
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