A stone in the mouth

A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. – Proverbs 18:7

We would all cringe at the thought of a mouth full of gravel. But a stone in the mouth can actually be desirable – at least that seems to be true for the cranes that inhabit the Taurus mountains of southern Turkey.

These cranes tend to cackle a lot, especially while flying. All that noise gets the attention of eagles, who swoop down and seize them for a meal. The experienced cranes avoid this threat by picking up stones large enough to fill their mouths. This prevents them from cackling – and from becoming lunch for the eagles.

People have a problem with their mouths too. The writer of Proverbs said, "He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction" (13:3). "A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows" (18:6). How many of our troubles could be prevented if we would learn to control our tongues! How much of the heartache we cause others could be avoided if we would guard our speech!

Are you having a problem with your tongue? Try this: Ask the Lord for His help. Think before speaking. Let your words be few. Following that formula can be as effective as a stone in the mouth. – Richard De Haan

Lord, help me watch the words I say
And keep them few and sweet,
For I don’t know from day to day
Which ones I’ll have to eat. – Anon.

READ: Proverbs 18:1-8

Mind what you say, or you might say whatever comes to mind.

The Bible in one year:

• Genesis 33-35

• Matthew 10:1-20