Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer--it does not rise from deceitful lips. 2 May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right. 3 Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin. 4 As for the deeds of men--by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent. 5 My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped. 6 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. 7 Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.

James tells us that if we are never at fault in what we say, we are perfect and are able to keep the whole body in check. He then says that the tongue is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. Peter tells us that Jesus was our example because he was perfect and no deceit was found in his mouth. We, like the Psalmist, must resolve to never sin with the mouth. Yet, this is one of the most difficult things for us to do. How can we control what we say, how we say it and know when to say nothing at all?

When Peter says that Jesus is our example, he also tells us how Jesus kept his speech perfect. He kept entrusting himself to the one who judges justly. In other words, he did not have to worry about telling someone off, speaking harshly or ugly, getting in the last word or letting one know how he felt. He knew that God (the one who judges justly) sees (and hears) what we face and how it hurts and he will take care of things for us. For those who have a big brother, you know the comfort of letting him fight your battles. You did not worry when you were young about anyone, not even the neighborhood bully, because big brother would protect you. We do have a big brother now and his name is Jesus. He will fight our battles for us. In fact, he has already fought and won the battle, forever.

We do not need to “run our mouth” (like Peter did too often) but control our lips so that what we say is a blessing to others. We need to use our tongue to encourage and build up those around us instead of tearing down and hurting. We should use our speech to teach the word of God instead of spreading gossip and slander about others. We must resolve to not sin with our lips.

O God, keep my heart pure that my speech will be always with grace. Help me today to resolve to not sin with my mouth. Give me the faith to entrust myself, my life and my actions to you and to my big brother, Jesus. May your peace fill my heart with the assurance that only you can give. May your Spirit fill my heart so that I may be perfected in your love. In Jesus name.

May God bless each of us as we live for him and in him today.