The Tongue I Constantly Bite

“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” — Proverbs 21:23 It is a most intriguing experience, is it not, to stand in the presence of someone who has wounded you and feel a thousand unsaid words rise to the tip of your tongue? Ah, the human tongue. So small, so delicate, so deceptively dangerous. There are moments more than I dare admit, when the sharpness of my thoughts threatens to spill out. At times like these, I find myself pressing my lips together with the elegance of a lady refusing to entertain scandal at a grand ball. But oh, how my thoughts rebel inwardly! I wish I could confess that biting my tongue is a graceful art I have mastered. Truthfully, it is a daily battle. A tug-of-war between the woman I used to be, the woman I long to be, and the woman God is shaping me into, slowly, patiently, faithfully. People observe the stillness of my face and imagine serenity. But inside? A storm often gathers. There are days when the injustice of a situation trembles beneath my ribs, begging for release. There are days when resentment whispers seductive lines like a serpent promising satisfaction. There are days when silence feels less like virtue and more like swallowing fire. Yet Scripture calls me to guard my mouth, not simply for the sake of propriety, but for my own peace. The Lord knows how easily words ignite wars. He knows that once spoken, they linger like smoke in the air, long after the heat has faded. In these moments, the Holy Spirit becomes my quiet companion. He nudges me, not with harshness, but with a gentle reminder: “You may feel anger, but you are not a slave to it.” Sometimes He gives me strength. Sometimes He gives me restraint. Sometimes He gives me silence the kind that heals instead of harms. And so I breathe. I swallow the words that would wound. I entrust my unsaid thoughts to the Lord who sees all, weighs all, understands all. This is not weakness. It is strength cloaked in humility. In time, and oh, how patiently God teaches I have come to realise something profound: With every moment I choose silence over bitterness, I am sowing peace into my future. And though I stumble often… Though my tongue bears the marks of many battles… God continues to work in me, shaping my heart to reflect His gentleness. One day, I believe, this tongue of mine will speak only life. Until then, I walk faithfully, one quiet conversation at a time. A Prayer for Today Father, Teach me the grace of restraint. Help me to guard my mouth when emotions rise within me. Let my words carry healing instead of harm, and let silence be my shield when anger tries to rule. Renew my mind, calm my heart, and train my spirit to trust that You see what I cannot say. When I am tempted to lash out, turn my eyes toward You instead. Create in me a woman of gentleness, patience, and holy self-control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.