Do It On Purpose

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

“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.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt is a Biblical Counselor, women’s conference and retreat speaker and author. She serves as the Director of Partner Care and Director of Women’s Ministries at America’s Keswick. She and her husband John have two married children and four grandchildren. She loves reveling in warm sunny climates and playing with her grandchildren.