Spiritual Warfare: 'Control Your Tongue'

God's Power for Our Battles — Wednesday, December 16, 2026

Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.
— Proverbs 13:3-4 NLT

Today's Prayer

Lord, I confess that I often have a problem with my tongue. I am quick to speak and slow to listen, which, I know, is just the opposite of what you instruct. Give me ears to hear, and a desire to let the other person finish before I respond. Usually, I am already thinking about what I want to say before the other person even finishes their thought. I admit I need to improve. I know that my lack of attention to their thought is rude and offensive. Train me to do better; to be better in this important area. Help me to consider their position before responding, and then let my response be uttered with kindness, love, and patience. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Proverbs 13:3
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin."
Proverbs 13:4
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"The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied."
Can't Keep Your Mouth Shut?
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It's really hard to do, isn't it! Alan Smith talks about how hard it is to keep our mouth shut using a humorous story about a police trooper and an English professor.
Keeping Our Mouths Shut
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Can you keep your mouth shut? Even though it can be very difficult, we must learn to control our tongue or it will cost us.

Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 13:3-4 NLT — Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.

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About This Devotional

Spiritual Warfare is a daily devotional about God's power for our battles.

The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare is written by Steve Hemphill.

More Spiritual Warfare