How great is our need of this grace because we are so inclined to speak unadvisedly (Jas. 3:8). It is not that we intend to do hurt or harm to any, much less to dishonor our Lord by our words. But, in a moment of weakness, carelessness or emotion, we open our mouths and say something that we later wish we had not. Past mercies and present company is no guarantee against this. Moses did it in the presence of Aaron and the congregation if Israel (Nu. 20:10); Elijah, by himself in the wilderness (1 Ki. 18:4); Peter, in the presence of unbelievers (Mt. 26:74). Oh for grace to keep the door of my lips. Matthew Henry wrote: “Nature having made my lips to be a door to my words, let grace keep that door, that no word may be suffered to go out which may in any way tend to the dishonor of God or the hurt of others.”

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An old preacher once said, “If you wish to be disappointed, look at others; if you wish to be disheartened, look at yourself; if you wish to be encouraged, look to Jesus Christ.

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