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

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Message That Was There All Along' (Jn. 1:1)
"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
John 1:1-2
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Thomas Mann:
"Time has no divisions to mark its passage, there is never a thunder-storm or blare of trumpets to announce the beginning of a new month or year. Even when a new..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Jesus at Work Through His People' (Acts 1:1-2)
"In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen...."

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