“I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.” Psalm 17:3
It seems almost every time I read it; I get a prick in my spirit. I have written in the margin of my Bible near this verse: “What goes in and what comes out?”
I suspect when David wrote Psalm 17 his intentions were referring to his words. He refused to sin in his speech. If you and I were to make a similar statement, “I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress” what kinds of things would we be refusing to do?
1. I purpose that my mouth shall not gossip.
2. I purpose that my mouth shall not nag.
3. I purpose that my mouth shall not deceive.
4. I purpose that my mouth shall not speak idle words.
5. I purpose that my mouth shall not share crude jokes.
6. I purpose that my mouth shall not insist on making my point.
7. I purpose that my mouth shall not ‘just tell it like it is’.
8. I purpose that my mouth shall not use sarcasm to hurt others.
9. I purpose that my mouth shall not use humor at others’ expense.
10. I purpose that my mouth shall not grumble.
11. I purpose that my mouth shall not complain.
12. I purpose that my mouth shall not lie or exaggerate the truth.
13. I purpose that my mouth shall not curse.
14. I purpose that my mouth shall not make myself look good at others’ expense.
15. I purpose that my mouth shall not cause harm.
16. I purpose that my mouth shall not give full vent to my anger.
17. I purpose that my mouth shall not be divisive.
18. I purpose that my mouth shall not share others’ confidences.
19. I purpose that my mouth shall not _______________________.
The more I write the more convinced I am that I need to speak less and be silent more. “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 1:19
Do it on purpose.
