I used to joke that I became a preacher because the church was the only place that said my big mouth was a spiritual gift. But one doesn't need to be loud or boisterous to put one's foot in their mouth, do they?
We all run that risk.
So, maybe, you can relate to the psalmist as he opens Psalm 39. He shares with us what he, presumably, told himself, "I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue" (39:1). Now, I can only base my reading on my personal experience. I know what it's like to internally repeat something I want to do or keep from doing. "I will do this. I will do this." Or, "I won't do that. I won't do that." That technique has been helpful before, but it isn't fail proof. I say I won't, but I do. I say I will, but I don't.
The psalmist said he would make sure not to open his big mouth. But he did. He had held his peace for too long and watched too much happen around him. Notice, though, in this psalm, to whom he speaks. Those "wicked" people in his presence that are causing him so much distress don't get to hear him complain or question what is happening. Instead, the psalmist turns his voice to God.
Maybe that's the key to better keeping your foot away from your mouth. Before you speak to the situation or the person that irritates or torments you, speak to God first. It's said that Counted Breathing helps you focus more on your breathing and less on what's stressing you out in the present moment. That form of self regulation comes with a lot of benefits. Well, what if we also learn to use those few seconds to talk to God before we speak to anyone else?
The next time you're tempted to say something too soon, pause and pray first. Those few seconds might change everything.
Stay blessed...john | 
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