Scripture Reading
1 Peter 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
Insight on the Word
Peter quotes the psalmist in this passage (Psalms 34:12-16), telling us that if we would like to enjoy good days, we should control our tongue, eschew evil, do good and seek peace.
Control of the tongue is a very important subject in the Bible. God gives many commands concerning its use. We are not to curse our leaders (Exodus 22:28); We are not to lie are have corrupt communication rather we are to have words that minister grace to those who hear them (Ephesians 4:25-31). We are not to render evil for evil (1 Peter 3:9). We are to have no idle words knowing that “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew 12:37).
How many times have we said something that got us into trouble? If only we had refrained our tongue. The tongue cannot be tamed by any cunning, persuasion, or influence of man. And yet we are told that in order for our life to be filled with good days, we must control our tongue! The truth is it is God alone who can help us bring the tongue under control (James 3:8).
Daily we must ask the Lord for His help. Help to be careful about what we say. Help to guard our mouth against words that hurt, wound and offend others. We must continually be conscience of how our words affect others. Make a decision that today with the Lord’s help, you will refrain your “tongue from evil” and “speak no guile.” By doing this we can be assured of seeing good days, every day…. one day at a time!
Speak the Word — When I control my tongue I have a good day! (1 Peter 3:10)
Daily Bible Reading — Exodus 28 – 31