Psalms 141:3 NIV “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
I often struggle with anger, and when I’m angry, I tend to say hurtful things in retaliation. That’s why this verse speaks to me personally. We, and especially I, need to ask God to place a guard over our mouths so we don’t sin by saying things in anger. In Ephesians 4:26, it says, “In your anger do not sin,” reminding us of the importance of controlling our emotions and actions, even when we feel wronged.
The prayer in Psalms 141:3—asking the Lord to keep watch over the door of our lips—made me reflect. If we need God to guard our lips, where are these hurtful words coming from? They don’t just appear out of nowhere; they come from something internal. Jesus explains this in Luke 6:45 (NIV): “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Our words are a reflection of what is already brewing in our hearts.
James 4:1 (NIV) also sheds light on this: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” Our sinful desires, often rooted in the flesh, drive us. We see, hear, touch, taste, and covet things, and then we plant seeds of discontent in our hearts. These desires grow into thoughts, and eventually, they manifest as words.
Once spoken, our words can become seeds in others’ lives. Harsh words spoken in anger can take root, creating bitterness, resentment, or pain. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) reminds us, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Our words have the power to destroy or to heal.
That’s why the Bible encourages silence in certain situations. Proverbs 17:28 (NIV) says, “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” Silence can prevent words that would otherwise cause damage, giving us the space to reflect and seek God’s wisdom.
To sum it up, we ask God to guard our lips because the real battle is within our hearts. By allowing His Spirit to transform us from the inside out, we can speak words that bring life rather than harm. As we plant better thoughts, filled with His truth and love, our words will reflect that change.
Why do I share my shortcomings? Why do I tell you that I struggle with anger? It’s because I’m not perfect. My flesh wrestles with anger, but my spirit knows to be still, for my spirit belongs to the Lord—the Holy Spirit, in whom no sin can be found.
Paul said, “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). So, I share this truth: though I am a born-again Christian and the Holy Spirit lives within me, my flesh still falters. When I feel anger rising, I’m reminded of my humanity and my daily need for the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
May Christ completely deliver me from my anger. And when you see me remain silent in moments where I would have once lashed out, let it be a testimony that it’s not by my strength, but by Christ who lives in me. As Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
Have a blessed day.