Set a Guard Over My Mouth

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3 NIV

Questions to Plow the Ground of the Heart

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord

• What would a guard over the mouth look like for you?
• Is it only a moment to pause? 
• Is it a still small voice saying “don’t say that”?
• How would you put this guard over your mouth?
• How is it strengthened by the word of God? Like Jesus responds to Satan
• Can you tell when the guard is on? Off?
• How do you and the Holy Spirit communicate about the words which you speak?

Keep watch over the door of my lips

• How would you defend/reject the belief, “I can say whatever I want”?
• How do you resolve the sinful words which flow from your mouth?
  • Do you ask forgiveness from God? 
  • From Others?
• How do you stop a judgmental, bitter, jealous, angry, prideful thought from leaking out from your own lips? 
• How are sinful words as wicked as murder?
• What does taking ownership of the words which come from your mouth look like for you?
• How might silence (not saying what you really want to say) benefit you? Others?

Some commentators see the imagery of a “guard” and “watch” as elements of protecting the city. Some even thought that David was penning the Psalm at evening looking at the guards on the walls. David will indeed mention the insults and curses hurled at him from the enemy. Yet, David is first asking God to help him be different than the wicked specifically in the words that he speaks. The guard and the gate are looking toward him.

Inwardly, I see the sinfulness of my own heart in judging others. My wife helps me become aware of the quick snippets of judging others. To which I am grateful for her compassion and mercy. 

However, I try to reverse the curse. Often, I am successful at speaking a blessing over their lives. Even though they never heard my judgments or blessings, I ask God for their protection and guidance. I also ask Him to forgive my judgmentalism. May my heart see others from God’s perspective.

How aware are you of the words coming from you on lips which build up or tear down others?

Blessings, Love y’all