I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.” 2 So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased; 3 my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 4 “Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. 6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. 7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Psalms 39:1-7 (NIV)

One of the greatest lessons in life is…knowing when to speak and when to be silent. The tongue has the power to kill or speak life. It can either build bridges or burn them…start wars or end them. There’s a time when it’s necessary to speak, yet when our hearts and mind are void of God’s Spirit and truth, our words often times conflict with the life we are portraying. Truly, from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

Many people kill their own witness with the very words they utter…why would the co-worker who knows nothing of God be drawn to the God you serve, when all you do is complain and live in constant drudgery? Truly, these are questions that merit our attention…When our life portrays no trace of faith, why would someone ask you to pray for them? In their mind, you’re in no better condition than they are. Again, allow the words of the Psalmist to resonate in your spirit this morning…

Lord, when we begin to speak words of doubt and despair…perhaps anger and fury, let us remember life on earth is but a vapor…this shall pass, yet our words shall remain…

“So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom.”

– Psalmist David