Saying that my son, Jack, is a talker is a huge understatement. He has this overwhelming urge to day everything he thinks of when he thinks it. It doesn’t matter if it offends or hurts feelings. He needs to say it, so it gets said. When he was about 2 or 3, we started telling him to, “zip it, lock it, put it in your pocket.” which meant zip your lips, lock the zipper and stick the key in your pocket. As Christians, There are many times when we need to be reminded to zip it, lock and put it in your pocket.
James 3:3-6
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Zipping it
James describes the tongue as being like a bit in the mouths of horses or the rudder on a boat. Such a small part, but so vital in the directional control of the horse or ship. Such a small organ can completely change your life and the lives of others depending on the direction it is turning.
He also compares it to a spark that creates a forest fire. I have seen this many times in my life. As you have, I am sure. When one person’s negative comments turns a crowd of people against someone. On the other hand, I have seen one person on fire for God incite a revival, when they allowed God to speak through them. Consider Psalm 19:14.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Locking it
When someone asked you to keep something secret, are you trustworthy? I am always slow to trust new people with personal information. Trust is something that is earned and once it is lost, can be hard to get back. God’s word says it best.
Proverbs 11:13
13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,
but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
Proverbs 21:23
23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself out of trouble.
Proverbs 20:19
19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;
therefore do not associate with a simple babbler
Prove yourself trustworthy and keep the secrets of those who trust you enough to share them with you.
Put it in your pocket (Memorize a few scriptures to keep in your pocket when Satan temps you)
Job 4:4
4 Your words have supported those who stumbled;
you have strengthened faltering knees.– Can your friends say this of you.
Proverbs 12:18
18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 15:1
15 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 16:24
24
Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Ephesians 4:29
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
These are a few to start you off there are so many more. If you have found a verse, you use to help you keep that mouth locked, share it in the comments section.
Challenge Yourself
Change doesn’t happen without God or overnight. Be patient with yourself. Prayerfully depend on God and His grace.
Choose a scripture you would like to see demonstrated in your life. Write it on a card-memorize the verse-pray for it to be manifested in your life.