August 3

Whoso keepeth his mouth and tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles.—Proverbs 21:23.

DO I bear in mind how often the tongue is spoken of in the Bible, and how strongly the right use of it is impressed on all? Do I realize what thoughtfulness, prudence, sound judgment, and kind feeling are requisite, if I would avoid speaking for evil, and always speak for good? Is it my earnest prayer, that God would enable me to keep the door of my lips? Do I always endeavor to speak in the fear of God, and in love to man?

Give not thy tongue too great liberty, lest it take thee prisoner. A word unspoken, is, like the sword in the scabbard, thine; if vented, thy sword is in the hand of another. If thou desire to be held wise, be so wise as to hold thy tongue.—QUARLES.

By examining the tongue of a patient, physicians find out the disease of the body; and philosophers, diseases of the mind and heart.—JUSTIN.

Beware the tongue that's set on fire of hell, And flames in slander, falsehood, or deceit; In malice, idle talking, thoughtless tales. Speak not too much; nor without thought; be true In all things. He that in word offends not, God hath declared a perfect man; while he That bridles not his tongue, deceives himself, And shows his faith is vain!