RESTRAINING THE TONGUE
“For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.”
I Peter 3:10 NKJV
There is a direct connection between the life we desire and the words we choose. Scripture doesn’t shy away from confronting the weight of our speech. In fact, Peter, echoing Psalm 34 — reminds us that those who love life and long to see good days must begin by guarding their tongues.
The tongue, though small, is a mighty vessel. With it, we either build up or tear down, bless or curse, speak truth or spread deceit. Our words reveal the posture of our hearts. It is not simply about refraining from “bad language,” but about resisting the deeper sin of using our mouths to manipulate, slander, exaggerate, or gossip. When we speak deceit, we are not merely telling lies—we are opposing the truth of God Himself. This is not a call to silence, but to sanctified speech. What we say,especially when no one is watching, or when we’re frustrated, or when we want to defend ourselves matters. The mature believer recognizes that their tongue is not their own. It must be surrendered to the Lord daily.
God promises that those who refrain from evil speech and deception will enjoy a deeper kind of life, not necessarily one free from trials, but one marked by His peace, joy, and favor. “Good days” are not always easy days, but they are fruitful ones. A disciplined tongue leads to a disciplined life, and a disciplined life is one that walks in step with the Spirit. Child of God, examine not just our hearts but our habits of speech. Are we careless with our words? Do we twist truth to protect our image? Are we quick to complain, slow to encourage? The tongue can either testify to the grace of God or betray His work in us.
Let your mouth be a wellspring of life. Speak what is true. Guard what is holy. And trust that God will honor the one who speaks with wisdom and restraint.
Prayer: My Father, I thank you for this truth. I surrender my tongue to You continually. Forgive me for every careless word, every half-truth, every moment I’ve used my voice to tear down instead of build up. Fill my mouth with grace and truth. Set a guard over my lips and purify my speech so that it reflects Your goodness. May my words bring life and light, and may they draw others closer to You in Jesus name. Amen!
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Proverbs 18:21
• James 3:5
• Psalm 141:3
