My mouth often gets me in trouble.

I speak before I think things through. I say something without considering the other person’s point of view. I open my mouth before engaging my brain.

Here are my Top Ten Ways to get my mouth in trouble:

1. Always talk. Never listen.
2. Interrupt when you have something to say.
3. Complain loudly about anything and everything.
4. Talk endlessly about myself, my kids, my grandkids.
5. Be sure that everyone knows about my friend’s embarrassing situation.
6. Speak before I think.
7. Let my mouth run on automatic when I’m angry.
8. Make jokes about my spouse.
9. Nag. Nag. Nag.
10. Assume I can control my tongue on my own without God’s help.

And here is the Top One Way to prevent my mouth from getting into trouble:

1. Pray.

When I pray Psalm 19:14, to guide my words and my thoughts. I begin to focus on pleasing my God rather than trying to be witty or funny or sarcastic or right. I am less likely to demand my way and more likely to listen to the other person. I may even try to find opportunities to build up others rather than look for ways to capture attention.

If you also want to keep your mouth out of trouble, pray with me:

May the words of my mouth
    and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14