He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 13:3

I think everyone at some point in their life has said something they regret now. Some things said years ago still have lasting effects today. Some people are very vocal and openly speak their mind. It's a joke with some that they don't realize what they've said until they hear it come out....even then they are surprised by what they said. Maybe that's you. 

As Christians, we must keep a bridle on our tongue. Words spoken are a pure reflection of the temperament and condition of one's heart. Harsh words can display a person's internal anger and frustration....but those words fall on the hearts of others....inscribed in their mind and wrapped with emotion. Many families and friends have suffered great loss over bitter words. 

So how can we bridle the tongue? Recognize your mouth can cause a firestorm. Next, go to the source...your heart. What causes your heart to be angered or troubled? Ask God to change your heart....to have a heart of compassion, patience and remove any bitterness. Third, when you find your blood pressure on the rise, stop! Ask God to bring peace and give you the proper words to say. Think before you speak. So often our mouth is like a cannon....we want to blow up our enemy with harsh words. 

Following Christ example on the cross...."Father forgive them for they know not what they do". Conditioning  your heart after Christ takes time and much much surrender of personal opinion and self. Sometimes the best thing you can do is say nothing....that shows a sense of strength in a person who has the tongue bridled. Speak kindly to others and forgive often....your words will become sweeter every day. Bless someone today with a kind word. God bless.