His mouth destroyeth a fool, and his lips are a snare to his soul (Proverbs 18: 7)
We all cringe at the thought of a mouth full of pebbles. But a stone in the mouth can actually be something to desire. At least, that seems to be true for the cranes that live in the Taurus mountains of Southern Turkey.
These crane birds tend to cot, especially while they are flying. But the sound will actually attract the attention of eagles, which swarm and grab the birds to eat. Experienced crane birds avoid the threat by picking up rocks large enough to fill their mouths. This prevents them from scratching — and from being a lunch for the eagles.
Humans also have problems with the mouth. The author of the book of Proverbs said, "He that keepeth his mouth, keepeth his soul; he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction" (13: 3). "A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes" (18: 6). How many difficulties can be avoided if we want to learn to control our tongue! How much heartache we cause others can be prevented if we keep our word!
Do you have problems with your tongue? Try the following ways: Ask God for help. Think before you open your mouth. Learn to talk a little. Following those directions can be as effective as a stone in the mouth —Richard De Haan
THINK WHAT YOU WOULD SAY
OR YOU WILL SAY ANYTHING THAT THROUGHOUT YOUR MIND
*) Take from Daily Meditation