Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few (Ecclesiastes 5:2).
The tongue is a powerful member of the body (James 2). James says ships can be controlled and animals tamed, but the tongue is often as a raging fire.
The grand book of Proverbs contains so many admonitions to watch, be cautious with, exercise wisdom in the words we speak.
In the above passage we find exhortation to speak few words and not be hasty to do that. It is similar to James 1:19, “… beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” It is so difficult to reclaim words that should never have been spoken. I recall hearing “Make your words sweet – for one day you may be forced to eat them.”
The book Meditations Of My Heart (from which this daily devotional is taken) is available / can be ordered from Sain Publications (931-363-6905 or email psain@sainpublications.com).