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.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

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
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied."
Can't Keep Your Mouth Shut?
Article by Alan Smith
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
Article by Alan Smith
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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, December 16, 2026

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Spirit Appointed' (Ac. 20:28)
"[Paul, to the Ephesian elders at Miletus:] "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Proof Is in the Doing' (Jn. 8:30-32)
"Then many who heard [Jesus] say these things [about always doing what pleases the Father] believed in him. Jesus said to the people who believed...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Moving Out'
"Dear Faithful Follower, One of the marks of Our — Father, Son, and Spirit's — people has been their acceptance of "moving out," that is,...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Be Exalted above the Highest Heavens!'
"Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth."

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