Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips. [Psalm 141:3 (NLT)]
In yesterday’s “Frank and Ernest” comic strip by Thaves, while admiring a large fish mounted up on the wall, one of the men says, “He wouldn’t be up there if he had just kept his mouth shut.” Wiser words couldn’t be said! If only I’d seen the comic a day earlier when a woman I’d just met earnestly asked me how old I thought she was. She was quite attractive and I assured her she didn’t look old to me, but she insisted I give her my estimate. Responding to that question is akin to answering, “Honey, do these pants make me look fat?” There just isn’t a good answer. I’m a woman; I know better than to fall into that trap (or bite that lure) but, foolishly, I opened my mouth. Looking about my children’s ages and having a very responsible job, I guessed her to be about forty-five (I actually thought she might be as old as fifty). Big mistake; she is only thirty-eight and not approaching forty gracefully! I spent the rest of my time reassuring her how good she looks (which she does) and that she will age beautifully. Let’s face it: by the time I left, I wished I’d never opened my mouth at all! “Open mouth and insert foot” – good heavens, I inserted both feet plus an arm!
Sometimes, we’re like the fish that gets caught; we take the bait. Heavenly Father, please slap your hand over our mouths and even seal them with duct tape, if necessary, whenever any of us are foolish enough to consider speaking when it is best to leave things unsaid! Show us how to tactfully and honesty avoid uttering words that might inadvertently hurt someone even though we have only good intentions in our hearts.
If you keep your mouth shut you will never put your foot in it. [Austin O’Malley]
Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. [Dr. Seuss]
Devotions of the Heart 