Oh Be Careful, Little Mouth!

“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.” (Proverbs 15:28, NASB95)Remember the old song that encouraged our “little mouth” to be careful what it said? It is a song we should not forget.Today’s scripture points out two problems, one clearly stated and the other more subtle. Clearly stated is the injunction against spewing forth evil speech. When our mother’s taught us to bite our tongue or to count to ten before we spoke, they were teaching us the same principle as this proverb. Often, and especially when we are angry, the first thing we say is the wrong thing to say. What is the antidote to this habitual human problem? The answer is to “ponder how to answer.” In other words, not every situation demands an immediate response. By taking the time to think through—and pray through—your response, you will be much more likely to make a righteous response!The less clear issue is that the righteous ponders “how to answer.” That is, a righteous person will answer, they will just make sure they answer in a God-honoring way. This world has, for too long, had too many moral and good people who sat silent. If you are righteous, please ponder the issues of evil around you, and then provide a Biblical answer! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!In His Grace,Dr. Randy White