Psalm 39 – Speak no Evil

My six year old recently informed us that he would rather be homeless than have to learn how to make “right decisions”. He was having a bad day (translated: he was getting picked on by older kids in the neighborhood and I was “reminding” him not to throw gut-punches in response). This is the same kid who told us he wanted to be a professional honey taster when he grows up and has asked three times if he could have Jen’s laptop for “decoration” in his room. We’ve learned to take his comments in context. He’s constantly giving Jen writing material and me sermon illustrations.

This reminds me of something: We need to be careful with our words. When we're six, it's funny. When we're adults, it's sad. We’ve all heard that if we don’t have anything good to say, then it’s best to say nothing at all. We learned that as children, but it applies to us as adults even more. When we don’t bridal our tongue, we end up doing much damage, sounding foolish, and sometimes even hurting our own credibility. This is a difficult task. James put it this way:

“…no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” – James 3:8

So this is a struggle. David put it this way in Psalm 39:

“I said, ‘I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.’

But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased.” – Psalm 39:1-2

What’s interesting to me is how as adults, it seems like it’s those who are arrogant, selfish, and prideful who are always the ones who are talking, making a scene, and gaining a platform. That can be frustrating. Meanwhile, many of the wisest people I know are remaining silent. There is a time to speak in power and truth, but there is also a time to remain silent. We need to realize that we may be at risk of either speaking out of selfish anger or frustration, or possibly even be at risk of “casting our pearls to swine” (wasting our words). In both of these scenarios, it’s better not to speak.

In Psalm 39, David was expressing how hard this struggle is. He was watching his words, he was holding back, and he was frustrated by the process. But he found the strength to take the high road. He found this desire through the urgency of perspective. He found it through asking God to show him how temporary and insignificant that moment of talk might really be.

“My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.” – Psalm 39:3-4

Taking the “high road” doesn’t always mean to remain silent. But there is a time and place for everything. Sometimes it includes speaking out against injustice or just bad things. But it’s a slippery slope in making sure it comes from the right place (from God and not us). And when we know the difference, we must not be afraid to speak truth, in love, when truth should be shared.

But when we do, we should remember David’s heart request:

“Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.” – Psalm 39:8-9

And we should remember Solomon’s counsel:

“Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.” Proverbs 2:11

So I'm learning to do this. I would imagine it's a life long journey for most of us. But just the understanding and desire to say what is right, and at the right time, is a good start. I think we'll find great benefit from applying this truth. We'll cause less damage, we'll eat our foot less often, and maybe people will take the words we do say more seriously. More than anything, maybe our words will be more edifying than are idle or negative.

Father, I echo David's prayer in verse 8 and 9, "Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this". So help me to be silent when I should be silent. In the same way, Father, give me wisdom to speak words of truth with power and confidence. And at the right time. Amen.