If you are honest with yourself, we have all had a regretful moment in reflecting, “I can’t believe I just said that!” At times in life, often unexpected, the strangest things come out of our mouths. This is likely the context of Psalm 59:12, when mere words become like venom, filling ears with poison and contaminating the souls of children.
There was a time, not so long ago when communities helped police themselves. Adult figures served as guardians, instilling character within neighborhoods. If a child ever publicly cursed, displayed disrespect or harmed another kid, parents would immediate intervene, forcing this individual to apologize and vow never to do this act again.
Today, the fear of confrontation, law suits and a gradual decay within society has led to an epidemic of sins of the mouth. Whether you are at your local mall, walking through a park or catching a quote family show on television, put downs, 4 letter words and F-bombs have become common place. Garbage in, garbage out has impacted children under the age of 10, spewing out what they hear, without any regard to listening ears.
The Bible’s diagnosis of this problem places the blame on the human heart, Jeremiah 17:9. According to Jesus, the heart serves as a storage center, absorbing up good and bad things, Luke 6:45. Vocabulary is simply a byproduct of what your heart has accumulated. Therefore, if you want to stop these sins before they roll off your tongue, guard your heart for it is the well spring of life, Proverbs 4:23. Replace these sins of the mouth with the peace of Christ, Colossians 3:15-17.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 