Hope for the Troubled HeartSample

Learning to Guard Our Heart and Mouth

In Psalm 39, David wrestles with the fleeting nature and challenges of life, seeking its deeper meaning. Although he doesn’t specify his troubles, this vagueness allows us to insert our own struggles into his narrative. His response transcends personal sorrow, offering us a model of wisdom.

David begins with a vow to control his speech, understanding the potential for sin in his distress. I don’t know about you, but I can count too many times where I said things in the heat of the moment that I regretted later. There’s so much we can learn from David in this Psalm. He pledges to guard his ways and muzzle his mouth, especially in the presence of the wicked. Despite his silence, his distress grows until he must speak. However, his words reflect reverence and loyalty to God, even in frustration.

David’s commitment to guarding his speech is crucial. He knows that unchecked words can lead to sin and dishonor God. His silence isn’t passive; it’s a deliberate choice to prevent sin and maintain his reverence for God. This approach teaches us the importance of self-control, especially when we are troubled.

Moreover, David understands the importance of discretion. He realizes that not all company is safe for transparency. The wicked might twist and misuse his words against him and his faith. Therefore, he carefully chooses when and where to express his struggles. This lesson in prudence is vital for us. We must be wise about our transparency, especially around those who might misinterpret or disrespect our faith.

The nineteenth-century preacher Charles Spurgeon wisely noted, “Unguarded ways are generally unholy ones. Heedless is another word for graceless.” We must be cautious with our speech, particularly in the presence of those who might misinterpret our words. By guarding our mouths, we protect the honor of our Father and prevent His enemies from railing against Him. Today, take a moment to reflect on how you can guard your speech and seek God’s wisdom.