Psalm 141:3-4
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.
David knew that his worship couldn’t stand apart from everyday life. If he worshipped God, he knew it had to affect the way in which he spoke to other people. He knew that he needed God to take control of his speech and to set a guard on his lips. The language he used in our verses today is interesting. He asked God not to let him be drawn towards evil. David knew that every day he was being tempted to go his own way and he needed God’s strength to keep him on track.
David also saw the danger of spending time with the wrong kind of people. Having meals with others sounds innocent enough, but if we spend too much time with people whose language and actions are evil, it will have an effect on us. The apostle Paul recognised the danger of mixing with the wrong sort of people. Quoting the Greek poet Menander, he wrote: “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
What we say gives us away. It reveals the kind of people we really are. So we need to make sure each day that we are living so close to God that our words reflect Him and His love for the people around us.
Question
In what ways does God help you to control what you say?
Prayer
Loving God, help me to use my words wisely and lovingly. Amen

Released on 16 Oct 2026