Fear Not! A Journey From Fear To FreedomSample

Loose Lips Sink Ships

“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet” (Prov. 3:21–24, NIV). 

The key to not being afraid, according to Solomon, is sound judgment and discernment. How does one get and retain these treasures? A good place to start is the controlling of your tongue. Solomon tells us, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” (Prov. 10:19, NIV). 

A phrase coined during World War II was “loose lips might sink ships.” This slogan was used by the US Office of War Information in an effort to limit useful information from falling into the enemy’s hands. That phrase is still relevant today because you face an enemy who loves to use your words against you. 

Discernment is knowing when to speak and when to be quiet. Don’t ever rush to judgment, and always collect your thoughts before you let the tongue loose. If we are contestants on a game show, then speed may be required, but for most everything else we should exercise extreme control over our mouths. Solomon also tells us, “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few” (Eccles. 5:2, NIV). 

Jesus’s half-brother James tells us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19, NIV). The other great advice from James is concerning wisdom and how to get it: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5, NIV). God knows exactly what obstacles you are going to face today, so why not ask Him for wisdom in how to approach each and every day? Jesus told us, “How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matt. 7:11, NIV). One area where speaking continually is not only permitted but encouraged is when you are speaking to your Heavenly Father. He loves a chatter box!

Prayer: Lord, I pray You give me a double portion of wisdom today. May I exercise good judgment and discernment, especially when it comes to controlling my tongue. Help me speak faith-building words each day to conquer any fear that might rise up in me. In Jesus name, amen.