LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Sunday 25th May 2025
RESTRAIN YOUR LIPS
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 10:13-20
In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19
People evaluate us on three levels. They consider us first by our appearance, then our words and finally, by our actions. Before someone evaluates your actions, they would have first evaluated you by what you say. The way you speak, what you talk about and the kinds of words you use go a long way to reveal who you are to people you encounter.
Your words will indicate whether you’re diligent or lazy, trustworthy or deceitful. The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about how both the wise and the unwise use their words. Here are a few ideas on how to use your words wisely.
Make intelligent contributions
Wise people speak words that help people to be more knowledgeable – they increase learning. There are those whose words diminish learning. After listening to them, you come out more ignorant than you were before.
When a wise person is at a meeting, they seek to add to the discussion. They seek to increase the group’s understanding of the problems they are seeking to solve.
Does not speak rashly
A wise person measures what he or she says. They practice the art of using a few words to tell a lot. They avoid the temptation to respond to everything that they hear.
I understand that there are outgoing people who speak out more than quiet people. If you are an outgoing person, you have to train yourself to think before you speak. By all means, be yourself – be the life of the party; be the one who makes everyone happy but in doing so, restrain your lips a bit.
Speak with discretion
The wise person uses the information he has rightly. Do not misuse information. Some people do not know how to use information that comes to them. If they see it, they will say it. If they hear it, they will repeat it.
A wise person knows how to use privileged information. Privileged information is any information that comes to your attention because of privileged access – especially when you are in a position of confidence.
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of the fool pours forth foolishness.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to speak wisely at all times. Teach my tongue the words of wisdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
