How to Protect Your Life Through God’s Wisdom

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.

Proverbs 21:23

Brokenness in the life of human beings is a common thing. Among Christians, it might even be worse because we live surrounded by the world and spirits always ready to hurt us whenever they have the chance. Guarding our lives from enemies should therefore be considered serious business in our hearts.

The journey of Christian life is filled with learning what is right and what is wrong through rising and falling. It is not only about sin and righteousness but also about what and when God wants you to do things. Let’s say you have an altar of devotion to study the Bible early in the morning at 5 a.m. If you neglect it and go to work, and read your Bible there instead, you may think it is fine. Normally reading at any place and at any time is not wrong, but if God has specifically ordered you to study only at that specific time, doing otherwise can make it wrong. Reading at work in that way may break the statutes God gave you, which will weaken you and make you vulnerable. Life is full of such and other different scenarios where we rise and fall. For this reason, it is always wise to have a backup plan to safeguard yourself.

There is great power and authority residing in the tongue to take us either to humiliation or to glory. Look at the following verses:

• Proverbs 15:4 – “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
• Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
• Matthew 12:36 – “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
• James 3:2 – “We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”

So be very wise about what and when you speak. Remove hypocrisy, words of anger, and useless scoffing from your mouth. There is a time for everything; therefore, choose the right time and place for your conversations. Build wisdom in using your speech prudently, starting with those closest to you. By doing so, you will preserve “life and strength” for yourself, keeping you safe whenever you stumble.

The world presents our lives with many challenges. Even if you are strong in one area, you may stumble in another. Be ready, therefore, with a victorious will that subdues your mouth to fruitful conversations. Here are some key ways to strengthen yourself through self-control:

1. Faith
Do not waste your words arguing over trivial matters. Your words should be esteemed as precious because they are powerful enough either to keep you strong or to make you weak.

2. Longsuffering
People close to us, such as parents, may sometimes speak words that humiliate us even when we are not at fault. In such moments, emotions may tempt us to burst out in defense, which is of no use. By patiently enduring such hurtful words, we save the fruit of favor and self-control in our lives. Through longsuffering, you will see how God lifts you up immediately.

3. Gentleness
At times, replying to those who are hot-headed and negligent toward us is inevitable. In such moments, responding wisely in a gentle and humble manner greatly benefits the soul.

4. Kindness
We should always exercise goodness because it will be rewarded. Acting and speaking kindly brings blessings of success to our paths, while unnecessary pride brings negative results. Treating people kindly stores up good fruit that will be returned abundantly.

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.” (Proverbs 19:17)

Our body and mind operate healthily when we conduct conversations properly, but the wrong way can disturb our balance and peace. God is serious about His words, and so should we be. Ecclesiastes 3 teaches us that there is a time for everything. It is wise not to speak simply because we feel like talking. Wait for the right moment during conversation and speak only what needs to be spoken. Do not waste words by rushing. Jesus (Matthew 12:37) warned us that by our words we will be justified or condemned.

Look around the world and see how many people suffer, and how they suffer. This should show us that God works through His principles. Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 13:4–5: “Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Such teachings should place in our hearts both reverence and fear of God.

We must remember that careless living and careless speaking will eventually bring regrettable consequences, no matter how close to God we think we are. Do not expect God alone to carry you; you must build a willing heart and a knowing mind to do His will. Always prioritize pleasing God through virtues rather than being impatient about your urges. Every word—whether good or selfish—will be a decisive factor in determining our future. Be wise and prudent in how you use your words. Gentleness and humility are the keys to making your path safe, so always be ready to apply them when challenges arise.