21-Day Fast, Day 13

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

One of my favorite places to eat in London was in a Middle Eastern restaurant. I went there so often that the chef once offered to prepare a special dish, noting that I love garlic. He took a large tomato, cut it several ways, then put a truckload of garlic and onions in the tomato, soaking it in oil and vinegar, and let it set for fifteen minutes. It was indescribably delicious. When I arrived home, my wife said, “What on earth have you eaten?” I explained. But all night long she kept asking me to roll over and face the other direction. The next morning, I brushed my teeth, gargled, and di everything I could to get the odor off my breath.

It taught me a lesson. When tempted to speak, always think garlic. It helps me keep my mouth shut. I am reminded of those haunting words: “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Prov. 10:19

Pray:

Heavenly Father may the words of our mouth be a sweet- pleasant fragrance that draws others closed to up and not a foul stench that drives them away.

Taken from: Controlling The Tongue by R. T. Kendall