They (the decrees of the Lord) are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:10-14, NIV)
Did you know that in the system of sacrifice instituted under the law of Moses, that there were offerings for hidden sins? The Lord our God doesn’t miss a thing!
What is splendid is the knowledge that HE KNOWS that we know that we can blunder in an instant, especially where our tongues are concerned. The tongue, as James said, is a fire and sets things on fire, and we would so rather speak life when we can!
Pray through these words today, with me. For your own speech and actions, and perhaps for that of someone you love who fails in gracious speech, or for someone whose need to speak kindness and wisdom is great. Teachers! Politicians! Doctors! … and you and me, of course.
Scott Bauer/Government Research image/Wikipedia/by permission
Marketplace Monastics 