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

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Matthew 7:12
"In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the prophets."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'He Is Greater by Far' (Jn. 1:30)
"[About Jesus, John the Baptizer said,] "He is the one I was talking about when I said, 'A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Extraordinary God!'
"Dear Child of God, What is your greatest need? Seems like a simple question, doesn't it? But when you look deeper, the events in the verses below..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Source of All Comfort' (2 Co. 1:3-4)
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles....."

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