Ever heard the saying, “He swears like a sailor?” It refers to a person who lets loose with a string of profanities that would make most people blush. It is also symbolic of a person who can’t control their tongue. David knew the struggles that came with taming the tongue. That’s why he prayed that his speech would be acceptable to the Lord.
Psalms 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.”
Set the Example
David knew the power of the tongue. He knew that his words were a result of what he was meditating on in his heart. If he was going to glorify the Lord, he knew that whatever he said had to be acceptable. There were many areas where David stumbled, but his speech wasn’t one of them. Even when he was justified to be angry, he was often humble. This was a result of the fact that he knew God was his rock and redeemer. David knew he didn’t deserve any blessing, and he deserved punishment for his sins, but God showed him mercy.
Use Your Words to Glorify God
Do you let your tongue get out of control? Are you known as someone with a quick tongue or short temper? If so, this verse should minister to you. You can pray to the Lord for help with your thoughts and tongue. God wants your words to glorify Him, and He will use the Holy Spirit to do a work in your heart. Don’t be reactive in this area. By that, I mean don’t apologize profusely when you let loose a tirade, but instead, be proactive by asking Jesus to do a work in your heart. Fill your mind with the Word of God so that it comes out when you think and speak.
Taming the Tongue
You need to redeem your mind and tongue from your “Old Self.” Your tongue is usually the first place that falls back its old ways. When Jesus died on the cross, he redeemed your whole body. It was crucified with Him, and you can move forward in that new life. How does that happen? It starts with what you put in and who you are around. If you are looking and listening to all the stuff you did before Jesus, don’t be surprised if you slip with the tongue. Remove that from your life and replace it.