January 26
Guard
Your Words
“Keep your mouth free of twisted words. Keep corrupt talk far away from your lips.”
Proverbs 4:24 (NIrV)
Layla was the life of every group chat and coffee break at the office. She had a knack for gathering tidbits of juicy information and sharing them in a way that always got a laugh or raised eyebrows. “It’s just harmless fun,” she told herself, even when she noticed her coworkers glancing nervously over their shoulders when she walked in.
One afternoon, Layla stepped into the break room and froze. Two colleagues, who hadn’t seen her enter, were deep in conversation.
“Honestly, I don’t trust her,” one said. “She’s always spreading stuff about everyone else. Who knows what she says behind our backs?”
Layla’s stomach sank. It felt like a punch to hear herself talked about that way. Quickly, she left the room before they noticed her. All day, the words replayed in her mind, and for the first time, she saw herself through their eyes.
That evening, Layla sat on her bed scrolling through social media, but her usual satisfaction from gossiping felt hollow. She picked up her Bible and opened to a random page, and her eyes landed on Proverbs 4:24: “Keep your mouth free of twisted words. Keep corrupt talk far away from your lips.”
The verse hit her hard. She thought of all the times she’d twisted someone’s story for entertainment. She felt a tug on her heart, a mix of guilt and the desire to change.
Layla prayed for the first time in a while. “God, I see how I’ve been hurting others and myself with my words. Please forgive me and help me speak with kindness instead of tearing people down.”
The next day, Layla returned to work with a new mindset. It wasn’t easy, and she caught herself slipping a few times, but she started choosing her words carefully. She apologized to a few colleagues she’d gossiped about and worked to earn back their trust. Over time, her coworkers noticed the change, and Layla began to experience the peace of living with integrity.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for teaching us the power of our words.
Help us to speak with kindness, honesty, and love, reflecting Your character in everything we say.
When we’re tempted to gossip or use our words to hurt, remind us of Proverbs 4:24 and guide us back to Your way.
Thank You for Your forgiveness and for giving us the strength to change.
May our words build others up and glorify You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
